CAN 
1 S  H I P 

TSSION 


m\ 


i  U  ;  ilii;:;!;: 


jMiiHlBpiiilli 

lllllljllilijj 


iiiilipiliiiliilUliiiii! 


liii  iili!  iliiijiil 
i  iiililii  ii  iiii  ill 


ilHili 


iiili 


liiiiiH 


»^M*^'^^4£^' '^1*'' • -'U' ''"4^ 


GIFT  OF 
Miss  Alice  J.  Farno 


THE  AMERICAN  BATTLESHIP 
IN    COMMISSION 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2008  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/americanbattleshOObeyerich 


•       ••  •  • 


•  •  •  • 
•  •• 


I  « •  •  •  • •• 

i  «  ••  • 

,•.*..  •••• 

■  •  •  •* 


^-^^^--^^ 


» »         ' 


The  American   Battleship 
In  Commission 

AS   SEEN    BY   AN    ENLISTED   MAN 

ALSO 

Many  Man-o'-war  Yarns 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHOR 


Army  and  Navy  Register 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  and  NEW  YORK  CITY 
DISTRIBUTORS 


VAs 


Gift 


Copyright,  1906,  by 

THOMAS   BEYER 

Bluejacket,  U.  S.  Navy 


PRESS  OF 

BRAUNWORTH  &  CO, 

BOOKBINDERS  AND  PRINTERS 

BROOKLYN,  N.  Y. 


DEDICATION 

This  Book  is  Dedicated  to  the  Relatives  and  Friends 
of  the 

Bluejackets  of  the  united  states  Navy, 

and  all  other  "shore  folks"  who  are  interested  in  the 
personnel  of  a  great  Navy. 


M183S08 


PREFACE 


The  entire  contents  of  this  book  concern  the  Navy. 
I,  the  author,  am  an  enlisted  man.  This  preface  is  not 
to  make  excuses  for  my  book  ;  the  work  speaks  for 
itself.  Many  sailors  keep  a  log  in  which  all  important 
events  are  recorded.  Were  it  not  for  the  log  which  I 
have  kept,  I  would  undoubtedly  have  been  unable  to 
write  this  book,  since  much  of  the  contents  were  derived 
from  this  record.  My  main  object  is  to  furnish  the 
general  public  with  as  much  information  about  the  Navy 
as  possible,  and  by  having  a  plain  education  it  has 
caused  me  to  write  the  contents  in  a  style  of  my  own, 
but  the  book,  however,  contains  the  material. 

Although  the  book  is  entitled  "The  American  Battle- 
ship in  Commission,"  it  does  not  signify  that  the  con- 
tents pertain  only  to  battleships.  It  has  taken  me  two 
years  of  steady  work  to  complete  this  book.  I  am  writ- 
ing about  the  Navy  from  an  enlisted  man's  point  of  view, 
and  not  in  a  single  instance  have  I  intentionally  misrep- 
resented the  service  in  any  particular.  What  I  have 
written  represents  the  actual  conditions  as  I  have  found 
them  to  be. 

Upon  completing  the  manuscript  of  this  book  I  for- 
warded it  to  the  Navy  Department  at  Washington  for 
approval  to  publish  the   same.      I  was  then  and  still 


Vlll  PREFACE 

am  an  enlisted  man.     With  the  manuscript  I  enclosed  a 

letter  stating  my  reasons  for  writing  the  book. 

'   Two  weeks  later  I  received  the  following  letter  : 

Office  of  Naval  Intelligence, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

October  77,  igos- 
Sir: 

Replying  further  to  your  letter  of  October  5th,  I  am  author- 
ized by  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  to  inform  you  that  the 
Department  authorizes  you  to  publish  your  book  entitled  "The 
American  Battleship  in  Commission."  I  wish  you  all  success 
with  your  book.  Your  manuscript  is  returned  by  registered 
mail. 

Very  respectfully, 
(Signed)        Seaton  Schroeder, 
Captain  U.  S.  N. 

Upon  receiving  permission  to  publish  my  book,  I  sat 
down  and  rewrote  part  of  the  manuscript,  thus  improv- 
ing it  in  a  great  many  ways.  I  hkve  taken  special  pains 
to  illustrate  the  book  well,  with  the  best  illustrations 
obtainable,  and  to  describe  each  view  so  that  the  reader 
will  more  readily  understand  the  contents.  Were  I  to 
explain  about  big  guns,  torpedoes,  etc.,  in  a  technical 
manner,  it  would  mean  little  or  nothing  to  the  average 
reader.  Therefore,  I  have  attempted  to  explain  in  a 
simple  way  the  main  rudiments,  from  which  the  reader 
can  easily  understand  the  general  working  principle. 

Throughout  the  book  the  reader  will  notice  the  ab- 
sence of  "I's,"  and  I  am  elated  over  the  fact,  because 
it  has  been  my  intention  to  write  actual  facts  in  an  im- 
personal manner. 


PREFACE  IX 

The  book  is  divided  into  two  parts.  Part  I  deals 
mainly  with  the  Navy  proper,  while  Part  II  contains 
many  man-o'-war  yarns,  sketches,  etc.,  many  of  which 
are  personal  experiences. 

Perhaps  a  brief  account  of  myself  would  not  be  amiss. 
I  was  born  in  Oakland,  California,  in  1876,  and  enlisted 
in  the  Navy  in  1898.  Shortly  after  enlisting  I  was  sent 
out  to  the  Asiatic  Station  to  join  Admiral  Dewey's  fleet. 
I  served  on  the  following  sea-going  ships  :  U.  S.  S.  Bal- 
timore^ U.  S.  S.  Bennington^  U.  S.  S.  Yosemite^  U.  S.  S. 
Solace^  and  the  U.  S.  S.  Oregon.  My  present  term  of 
enlistment  expires  in  October,  1906. 

Very  respectfully, 

Thomas  Beyer, 

Ship-fitter^  first-class t  U.  S.  Navy. 


CONTENTS 


BOOK  I 

CHAPTER   I 


PACK 


The  Navy i 

Building  and  Commissioning 8 

Officers  of  the  Ship 15 

How  Officers  are  Made 25 

CHAPTER   II 

Preparing  for  a  Voyage 26 

At  Sea 28 

In  Port 31 

Daily  Routine 33 

Drills  of  the  Week 36 

Description  of  Drills 38 

CHAPTER    III 

The  Crew  and  Their  Duties 52 

Rate  and  Pay  of  Every  Enlisted  Man 66 

Opportunities 72 

Enlistment 73 

Sailors'  Duds 77 

Amusements  and  Pastimes 78 

Man-o*-war  Lingo 81 


XU  CONTENTS 

CHAPTER   IV 

PAGE 

Ordnance 86 

How  Armor  is  Made 87 

Main  Guns 90 

Crew  of  a  Large  Gun 93 

Intermediate  and  Secondary  Battery  Guns 96 

How  a  Large  Gun  is  Made 99 

Ammunition 102 

Weight  of  Projectiles 105 

Torpedoes 105 

CHAPTER   V 

Nomenclature  of  the  Ship iii 

Drainage  System 124 

Ventilation  System 126 

Fresh  and  Salt  Water  Systems 127 

Description  of  United  States  Vessels 128 

How  the  Navy  has  Grown  in  Twelve  Years 139 

Vessels  under  Construction 143 

Summary  of  Important  Vessels  Built 144 

CHAPTER   VI 

Different  Types  of  Warships 145 

Two  Years  on  the  Oregon 152 

How  a  Battleship  is  Docked 154 

Admiral  Dewey's  Fleet  at  Manila  Bay  Compared 

with  a  Modern  Battleship 160 

How  the  Crew  is  Divided 162 

Naval  Notes , .  167 


CONTENTS  Xlll 

BOOK   II 

MAN-O'-WAR   YARNS 

PAGE 

Stand  by  the  Pic 192 

How  to  Tell  the  Weight  of  a  Porker 192 

No  Teeth,  No  Music 193 

A  Contraband  Bow-wow 194 

Tell  it  to  a  Marine 195 

Wash-day 196 

A  Sinking  Ship 198 

Presto !   Change ! 198 

Dogs 199 

To-morrow  is  the  Day  After 200 

Number-One  Kind  Tea-set 201 

A  Fowl  Move 203 

Show  Me 205 

A  Personal  Story 206 

An  Old  Salt's  Salty  Saltings 208 

The  Wreck  of  the  U.  S.  S.   Yosemite 211 

Sea-going  Smiles 220 

Good-morning 226 

A  Perpetual  Reward 227 

Ingenuity 230 

Stormy  Weather  on  the  Gulf 231 

A  Dry  Ship 232 

Frenzied  Finance 234 

Full  Rations 236 

Ah  Choy 237 

A  Rookie's  Letter 238 

Lost — a  Ward-room  Cake 240 

Two  Sea-dogs  Growling 241 

A  Few  Salty  Riddles 245 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


Thomas  Beyer Frontispiece 

Launching  of  the  U.  S.  S.  Connecticut opp.  p.   6 

A  Battleship  Under  Construction ^  "  12 

Three  Rear-Admirals **  18 

U.  S.  S.  Rhode  Island. '*  24 

U.  S.  S.  Alabama  at  Sea "  30 

Signaling  from  the  Bridge "  36 

On  the  Quarterdeck "  42 

Ship's  Company,  U.  S.  S.  Charleston   "•  48 

Outward  Bound "  56 

A  Galley  Scene "  62 

A  Few  Mascots **  66 

The  Wooden  Navy **  74 

Boxing  Aboard  the  West  Virginia "  80 

U.  S.  S.  C/^d!/'/<r^/^«  at  Sea **  ZZ 

A  Six-inch  Gun "  96 

The  Pennsylvania's  Broadside "  102 

The  New  Bliss-Leavitt  Turbine  Torpedo **  108 

A  Navy-yard  Scene "  114 

Taking  Life  Easy "  120 

A  Group  of  Young  Naval  Officers **  126 

U.  S.  S.   Virginia  on  Her  Trial  Trip "  130 

U.  S.  S.  Iowa "  140 


XIV  LIST    OF    ILLUSTRATIONS 

U.  S.  S.  TVesf  Virginia  at  Anchor **  146 

A  Monitor  at  Sea opp.  p.  150 

U.  S.  S.  Oregon,  Outward  Bound "  154 

How  a  Battleship  is  Docked **  160 

Taking  Stores  Aboard **  168 

Naval  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Building,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  "  172 

A  Homeward-bound  Pennant "  178 

A  Submarine  Boat **  184 

Getting  the  Liberty  Boats  Ready. "  192 

Waiting  for  the  Admiral **  196 

U.  S.  S.  Ohio ''  202 

Race-boat  and  Crew,  U.  S.  S.  Illinois **  208 

Ship's  Company,  U.  S.  S.  Chattanooga "  214 

A  New  Race-horse **  220 

A  Wrestling  Match ,  **  226 

Nobody  Works  but  Uncle "  232 

A  Diver  at  Work **  242 


Cover    design   made  from   illustration  furnished  by  courtesy  of 
^^ Scientific  American.'^ 


BOOK  I 


CHAPTER   I 

THE      NAVY — BUILDING      AND       COMMISSIONING 

OFFICERS     OF     THE      SHIP  —  HOW 
OFFICERS    ARE   MADE 

THE    NAVY 

GREAT  pride  and  interest  are  taken  in  the 
Navy,  particularly  of  late,  as  the  results  of 
the  Japanese  and  Russian  War  have  plainly 
demonstrated  that  a  strong  and  efficient  Navy  is 
the  most  important  factor  in  war  time.  Folks  at 
home  read  about  the  achievements  of  a  certain  ship, 
while  at  the  same  time  many  people  do  not  realize 
what  a  grand  array  of  warships  Uncle  Sam  owns. 

A  person  may  gaze  at  the  photograph  of  a  battle- 
ship or  cruiser  or  he  may  see  one  lying  at  anchor. 
When  it  comes  to  defining  the  difference  between 
their  fighting  qualities,  etc.,  the  average  landsman 
would  be  at  sea.  It  requires  personal  experience 
and  study  to  enable  one  to  comment  truthfully  upon 
the  service. 

A  warship  is  a  floating  diplomat.     Moving  about 


*      »*•*      ,••  ••••».* 

ic      «*•*         •••<••        «      •* 

2     The  American  Battleship  in  QMnmission 

singly  or  in  fleets,  they  command,  in  many  ways, 
respect  for  the  country  which  they  represent.  Our 
interests  in  foreign  ports  are  constantly  on  the  in- 
crease, as  the  Export  Statistics  will  show ;  and  now 
that  Uncle  Sam  is  the  legal  guardian  of  the  Philip- 
pines, Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  Hawaii,  and  the  Panama 
Canal,  a  large  and  efficient  Navy  is  needed  to  pro- 
tect American  interests. 

A  large  Navy  alone  does  not  signify  a  strong 
Navy.  Should  the  personnel  be  lacking  in  training, 
skill,  and  discipline,  the  ships  would  be  of  very 
little  value.  In  time  of  action  they  would  be  an 
easy  prey  to  the  enemy  whose  ships  and  men  have  a 
superior  training. 

Millions  of  dollars  are  spent  annually  to  bring  the 
fighting  qualities  of  both  ship  and  men  up  to  the 
highest  standard,  and  every  dollar  of  this  money  is 
well  invested. 

The  art  of  war  is  now  carried  out  on  a  scientific 
basis,  where  superior  tact,  skill,  training,  and  disci- 
pline have  a  decided  advantage. 

Washington,  D.  C,  is  the  official  headquarters 
of  the  United  States  Navy.  There  all  movements 
of  ships,  stores,  officers,  enlisted  men,  etc.,  are 
directed,  with  the  assistance  of  the  many  admirals 
and  captains  who  are  in  command  of  the  different 
fleets,  squadrons,  and  divisions. 

The  duties  of  the  Navy  Department  are  divided 


The  Navy  3 

among  different  bureaus,  such  as  Navigation,  Con- 
struction and  Repair,  Equipment,  Steam  Engi- 
neering, etc.  The  duties  aboard  ship  and  at  the 
different  departments  are  thus  divided  in  order  to 
simplify  matters  in  each  department. 

All  ships  of  the  Navy  must  be  placed  out  of  com- 
mission regularly  at  the  different  navy-yards  main- 
tained by  the  Navy.  When  a  ship  is  placed  out 
of  commission  she  is  thoroughly  overhauled  and 
equipped  with  the  latest  appliances.  Ships  are  also 
built  at  the  navy  yards  by  the  Government.  The 
Connecticut,  a  sixteen-thousand-ton  battleship,  is 
one  of  them.  This  ship  was  built  at  the  Brooklyn 
navy-yard. 

Several  of  our  warships  have  seen  ten  years'  ser- 
vice before  being  placed  out  of  commission.  When 
a  ship  is  recommissioned  she  is  then  better  equipped 
than  when  she  was  new,  for  the  reason  that  she  is 
modern  and  equipped  with  improvements  which 
have  come  into  use  only  recently. 

The  entire  Navy  is  conducted  on  the  same  prin- 
ciple. The  Navy  Department  prints  a  book  which 
contains  the  rules  and  regulations  governing  the 
U.  S.  Navy.  From  the  color  of  its  binding  this 
book  is  known  as  the  "Blue  Book.**  Every  little 
detail  of  the  service  is  contained  within  its  pages. 
From  time  to  time,  as  the  service  may  require, 
changes  are  made  in  the  rules  and  regulations. 


4    The  American  Battleship  in  Q)mmission 

Many  people  are  inclined  to  think  that  naval  offi- 
cers have  one  continuous  round  of  pleasure,  with 
nothing  to  do  but  travel  around  the  world  at  the 
expense  of  the  Government.  Such  an  erroneous 
impression  could  be  entertained  only  by  one  unac- 
quainted with  the  service.  All  naval  officers  have 
arduous  tasks  to  perform  before  ships  are  intrusted 
to  their  command.  After  passing  through  six  years 
of  continuous  studies,  midshipmen  are  then  com- 
missioned ensigns,  this  being  the  lowest  rank  of  a 
commissioned  officer.  Line  officers  are  the  regular 
commissioned  officers  of  the  Navy  who  have  gone 
through  the  prescribed  course  at  the  Naval  Acad- 
emy. This  also  includes  warrant  officers  who  have 
passed  the  examination  for  ensign.  Officers  are 
gradually  promoted,  each  in  his  turn,  a  special  ex- 
amination being  taken  for  each  grade. 

A  line  officer  must  have  been  in  charge  of  every 
department  of  the  ship,  such  as  Signal,  Navigation, 
Ordnance,and  Executive, before  he  can  get  command 
of  a  large  ship.  Many  admirals  in  foreign  Navies 
have  seen  far  less  service  than  our  commanders. 

In  regard  to  the  benefits  that  an  enlisted  man 
derives  from  service,  there  are  a  great  many.  A 
bluejacket  is  well  taken  care  of,  and,  best  of  all,  he 
is  well  paid.  The  opportunities  for  advancement 
in  the  Navy  are  far  greater  to-day  than  at  any  pre- 
vious time. 


The  Navy  5 

Recently  the  rates  of  several  different  new  petty 
officers  have  been  created,  and  more  will  be  added 
from  time  to  time.  These  new  rates,  with  the  old 
ones,  have  promoted  a  great  many  of  the  crew  to 
the  rank  of  petty  officers.  The  initial  pay  of  a 
petty  officer  varies  from  thirty  to  seventy  dollars  a 
month.  This,  however,  does  not  include  his  extra 
pay,  such  as  gun-pointer,  continuous  service  bene- 
fits, etc. 

A  large  number  of  new  battleships  and  cruisers 
are  being  rapidly  completed  and  commissioned. 
The  majority  of  these  ships  carry  a  complement  of 
over  eight  hundred  men,  and  there  are  a  great  many 
openings  for  advancement.  When  a  member  of 
the  crew  is  rated  a  petty  officer  more  work  is  not 
expected  of  him  because  his  pay  has  been  increased. 
He  is  rated  a  petty  officer  for  the  fact  that  he 
has  acquired  sufficient  knowledge  to  enable  him  to 
command  a  more  responsible  position.  As  a  gen- 
eral rule,  the  higher  an  enlisted  man  advances  the 
less  manual  labor  he  is  required  to  perform.  A 
petty  officer,  however,  is  clothed  with  considerable 
authority,  and  many  responsible  duties  are  assigned 
him.  Naval  life  is  very  congenial  to  the  enlisted 
man,  and  he  gains  a  vast  fund  of  knowledge  and 
experience  in  his  travels.  Most  important  of  all, 
however,  he  is  well  disciplined. 

Now  and  then  a  young  man  may  enlist  who  turns 


6    The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

out  to  be  a  very  undesirable  recruit ;  he  may  even 
cause  discontent  among  the  other  members  of  the 
crew.  Some  of  these  write  home  to  their  parents 
condemning  the  service.  In  some  instances  their 
home  papers  may  publish  the  contents  of  the  letters, 
although  the  authors  might  have  been  entirely  to 
blame  in  the  matter. 

The  regular  man-o'-war  men  soon  grow  tired  of 
hearing  a  recruit  continually  growling.  He  is  then 
told  to  **run  away  if  you  don't  like  it."  Some 
young  men  join  the  service  with  false  ideas  of  life 
on  a  ship.  Some  expect  to  be  given  a  private  room 
and  even  a  servant  to  wait  upon  them.  Cases  of 
this  kind  are  rare,  however,  as  most  of  the  recruits 
soon  adapt  themselves  to  the  routine  of  the  service. 
When'  a  recruit  persists  in  being  obstinate  he  will 
either  desert  or  be  dishonorably  discharged  from 
the  service.  Under  no  circumstances  does  Uncle 
Sam  wish  to  retain  in  the  service  men  of  this  char- 
acter. 

Some  men  enlist  in  the  Navy  without  the  con- 
sent of  their  parents,  though  the  recruiting  officers 
use  every  effort  to  prevent  such  occurrences.  This 
is  due  usually  to  objection  on  the  part  of  the  par- 
ents. It  seems  that  the  names  of  warships,  big 
guns,  etc.,  give  some  people  the  most  peculiar 
notions  about  the  service.  This  is  particularly  true 
of  women.     The  greatest  caution  is  exercised  at  all 


*■  *     • 


The  Navy  7 

times,  and  with  the  many  safety  devices  in  use  acci- 
dents are  of  rare  occurrence. 

When  an  accident  occurs  in  the  Navy  it  is  looked 
upon  as  something  awful  by  the  ** shore  folks.'* 
Were  it  to  be  taken  into  consideration  that  there 
are  over  three  hundred  ships  on  the  Navy  register, 
the  majority  of  them  being  in  commission,  it  would 
be  plainly  seen  that  Navy  life  is  no  more  dangerous 
than  other  vocations  ashore. 

The  majority  of  the  accidents  in  the  Navy  have 
occurred  under  unavoidable  circumstances,  and  at 
the  same  time  a  great  lesson  is  learned  from  them. 
The  experience  thus  gained  is  utilized  to  prevent 
any  such  occurrences  in  the  future.  The  warships 
that  are  in  commission  hold  regular  target  practice, 
speed  trials,  etc.,  each  year,  all  of  which  involves 
a  certain  amount  of  risk. 

There  are  over  one  hundred  different  rates  aboard 
a  battleship.  Members  of  the  crew  are  constantly 
being  transferred,  discharged,  etc.,  thus  causing 
rapid  promotion.  During  their  first  enlistment  a 
majority  of  the  enlisted  men  are  rated  petty  offi- 
cers. Not  one,  but  many  of  the  author's  shipmates 
aboard  the  Oregon  will  verify  this  statement,  for 
many  of  them  are  now  petty  officers  on  their  first 
enlistment. 

When  the  Oregon  won  the  Gunnery  Trophy 
many  of  the  gun-pointers  were  on  their  first  enlist- 


8    The  American  Battleship  in  Q)mmission 

ment.  A  large  number  of  them  had  never  seen 
salt  water  until  enlisting.  Many  naval  officers  can 
look  back  at  the  day  they  enlisted  in  the  service 
with  the  lowest  ratings  on  the  paymaster's  books. 
The  Navy  regulations  allow  a  warrant  officer  to 
become  a  regular  commissioned  officer  of  the  line, 
that  is,  provided  he  pass  a  successful  examination. 
This  examination  is  very  severe,  and  it  takes  a 
large  amount  of  practical  and  theoretical  study  to 
enable  one  to  pass  it.  Several  warrant  officers 
have  already  passed  the  examination,  and  are  now 
regular  commissioned  officers.  Upon  passing  suc- 
cessfully, they  are  made  ensign.  They  are  then 
promoted  gradually  to  the  higher  ranks.  There  is 
absolutely  nothing  to  prevent  an  ambitious  enlisted 
man  from  becoming  a  captain  or  admiral. 

BUILDING   AND    COMMISSIONING 

Drawing  up  the  plans  of  a  battleship  is  an  ex- 
ceptionally arduous  task,  as  there  are  so  many  diffi- 
culties to  be  overcome. 

The  first  thing  to  be  considered  is  the  displace- 
ment, which  is  equal,  of  course,  to  the  weight  of 
the  vessel.  When  this  has  been  determined,  all 
plans  and  specifications  are  made  out  accordingly,  as 
the  armor,  armament,  speed,  steaming  radius,  fuel 
and  water  supply,  living  quarters,  and  in  fact  every  de- 
tail of  the  ship  must  be  considered  and  provided  for 


Building  and  Commissioning  9 

The  weights  and  spaces  of  all  parts  of  the  ship 
must  be  well  equalized  in  proportion  so  that  the  ship 
will  not  exceed  the  displacement  originally  in- 
tended. From  year  to  year  battleships  are  con- 
stantly being  increased  in  size,  speed,  armor,  and 
armament.  It  requires  a  great  deal  of  experience, 
skill,  and  money  to  acquire  these  valuable  points 
of  advantage.  Speed  alone  is  a  very  important 
factor  in  time  of  battle.  Take,  for  instance,  two 
opposing  fleets  in  battle.  One  fleet  has  an  average 
displacement  of  fourteen  thousand  tons  and  a  speed 
of  sixteen  knots.  The  other  fleet  has  the  same 
displacement,  but  a  speed  of  eighteen  knots.  The 
ship  with  a  high  rate  of  speed  has  a  decided  advan- 
tage over  one  of  a  low  rate.  The  ship  with  a  high 
rate  of  speed  can  keep  the  enemy  at  a  distance  and 
give  or  take  battle  at  will,  because  it  can  maneuver 
about  to  gain  an  advantageous  position. 

To  increase  the  speed  of  a  battleship  an  extra 
knot,  additional  horse-power  is  required.  This 
necessitates  an  increase  of  the  powers  of  the  boilers 
and  engines,  also  the  fuel  and  water  supply.  By  all 
these  increases  other  parts  of  the  ship  must  be  de- 
creased,such  as  the  armor,  caliber  of  certain  guns,  etc. 

As  soon  as  Congress  has  appropriated  the  money 
to  build  the  vessel,  the  final  plans  are  drawn  up, 
and  the  building  of  the  ship  is  then  let  out  by  con- 
tract to  the  lowest  bidder. 


lo  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Everything  used  in  the  construction  of  the  ship 
must  be  of  home  manufacture,  and  the  successful 
bidder  agrees  to  build  the  ship  strictly  according 
to  contract.  The  specifications,  of  course,  contain 
all  details  regarding  the  construction  of  the  ship. 

The  size  and  quality  of  all  frames,  plates,  rivets, 
etc.,  are  carefully  specified.  The  builders  are 
placed  under  heavy  bonds,  there  being  a  heavy 
penalty  imposed  for  any  breach  of  contract  on  the 
part  of  the  builders.  Previously  the  Government 
paid  a  bonus  for  each  knot  or  part  thereof  in  excess 
of  the  speed  specified  in  the  contract,  but  the  or- 
der has  now  been  rescinded. 

Piece  by  piece  the  huge  fighting  machine  is  as- 
sembled. Several  thousand  workmen  are  set  to 
work  on  the  ship  itself  or  in  the  workshops  near 
by.  ^  Every  labor-saving  device  that  can  be  utilized 
is  taken  advantage  of  by  the  builders.  Only  a 
short  while  back  all  riveting,  drilling,  etc. ,  on  the 
ship  was  performed  by  hand.  Now  most  of  it  is 
done  by  automatic  tools  of  different  kinds.  Riv- 
eters, chippers,  etc.,  do  most  of  their  work  with 
pneumatic  tools  which  are  operated  by  compressed 
air.  Most  of  these  tools  are  very  light,  so  that 
they  may  be  used  in  any  part  of  the  ship.  An  air- 
hose  connects  all  these  tools  with  the  compressed- 
air-pipe  system  which  is  set  up  temporarily  in  and 
around  the  ship. 


Building  and  GDmmissioning  ii 

There  is  very  small  chance  for  any  crooked  work 
in  the  building  of  the  ship,  because  the  plans  and 
specifications  state  precisely  the  quantity  and  qual- 
ity of  all  materials  used.  In  addition  to  this,  naval 
officers  are  detailed  as  inspectors  at  the  different 
ship-building  plants  where  the  warships  are  under 
construction. 

When  the  ship  is  ready  for  launching,  a  great 
many  preparations  are  necessary.  The  launching 
of  a  ship  is  a  very  pompous  affair,  and  thousands 
of  spectators  gather  around  to  witness  the  event. 
As  a  rule,  all  of  our  battleships  are  named  after 
States. 

When  the  day  for  launching  arrives,  a  delegation 
is  on  hand  to  represent  the  State  after  which  the 
vessel  is  named,  and  some  fair  daughter  of  the 
State  has  the  honor  of  christening  her.  As  the 
ship  starts  to  move,  the  sponsor  dashes  the  bottle 
against  the  ship's  bow  and  exclaims:  **  I  christen 
thee ,"  at  the  same  time  giving  the  name. 

A  ship  is  launched  at  high  tide,  and  when  every- 
thing is  ready  all  blocking  is  released  and  she  starts 
to  move.  It  is  indeed  a  grand  sight  to  see  that 
huge  hulk  of  steel  rushing  onward  to  the  water 
which  is  to  be  her  home.  She  strikes  the  water 
with  a  splash  amid  a  din  of  cheers  and  whistles. 

When  the  armored  cruiser  Washingtojt  was 
launched  a  new  wrinkle  was  introduced.     This  ship 


1 2  The  American  Battleship  in  Qjmmission 

was  built  in  a  building  with  a  glass  roof,  thus  en- 
abling the  builders  to  work  in  inclement  weather. 
The  ship  was  launched  automatically.  All  block- 
ing was  released  simultaneously,  and  the  ship  was 
given  a  start  with  hydraulic  rams  which  were  lo- 
cated at  the  head  of  the  launching-ways. 

When  a  ship  is  launched  she  generally  represents 
a  mere  shell,  though  in  some  cases  the  builders  may 
partly  equip  the  ship  before  launching.  As  soon 
as  she  is  launched,  tugs  stand  by  to  tow  her  to  the 
berth,  where  the  ship  is  finished  and  made  ready  for 
the  trial  trip.  The  builders  hold  their  own  prelim- 
inary trial  trip,  when  the  ship  is  put  through  a  se- 
ries of  severe  tests.  After  all  defects  have  been 
remedied  and  the  ship  fitted  up  to  the  **  pink  "  of 
condition  the  Navy  Department  is  notified  that  she 
is  ready  for  the  official  trial  trip. 

A  certain  course  is  laid  out  and  marked  at  in- 
tervals by  the  Government  stake-boats.  Several 
naval  officers  are  detailed  on  the  trial  board  to  look 
after  Uncle  Sam's  interests.  The  builders  have 
everything  in  readiness,  selected  men  are  at  the 
engines  and  in  the  fire-rooms,  and  in  fact  every- 
thing is  done  to  increase  the  power  and  speed  of 
the  ship. 

Everyone  aboard  is  held  in  great  suspense  as  the 
ship  is  throbbing  and  trembling  from  stem  to  stern 
as  she  rushes  through  the  water  like  an  animated 


ffl 

^..    ..uL 

^ 

>     ^  mmm      igf ' 

:— ^ 

':j^ 

1  lii      ^ 

1  .  iit        '^jilllll' 

i 

^^^^^^^^^^H   'r:                                      g^HkB' 

( 

1 

'■■'              5 

J 

1 

C    t     C    ( 

c  <  c 


Building  and  Comniissioning  13 

thing.  The  stake-boats  being  set  at  intervals  give 
the  trial  board  an  accurate  idea  of  the  ship's  speed, 
etc. 

Of  late  years  a  new  method  of  holding  trial  trips 
has  been  introduced.  It  is  known  as  the  Standard- 
ized Screw  method.  Near  the  vicinity  of  the 
throttle  of  the  main  engines  is  a  **  counter,"  which 
is  connected  with  the  main  engines.  This  counter 
registers  accurately  each  revolution  of  the  engines. 
The  ship  is  then  run  carefully  over  a  measured  mile 
course,  which  enables  the  trial  board  to  ascertain 
the  exact  number  of  turns  that  the  engines  must 
make  in  order  to  give  the  speed  specified  in  the 
contract.  The  ship  is  then  run  for  four  consecu- 
tive hours,  and  should  the  engines  average  the  de- 
sired number  of  turns  throughout,  the  run  of  the 
ship  is  approved. 

In  most  cases  the  ship  exceeds  the  speed  specified 
in  the  contract.  After  the  trial  trip  she  returns  to 
the  harbor  with  brooms  flying  from  the  masts. 
Sometimes  the  speed  of  the  ship  is  painted  on  the 
smoke-stacks. 

After  the  speed  trial  another  series  of  tests  are 
held.  The  ship  is  ordered  ahead  at  different 
speeds  and  the  engines  are  suddenly  reversed  to 
ascertain  in  what  space  and  time  the  ship  will  stop, 
etc. 

The  steering-gear,  water-tight  doors,  and  in  fact 


14  The  American  Battleship  in  Q)nimission 

all  parts  of  the  ship,  are  carefully  tested  under  dif- 
ferent conditions.  The  results  of  all  these  different 
tests  are  of  great  value  for  future  reference,  be- 
cause during  the  ship's  career  emergencies  may 
arise  where  the  information  gained  may  be  put  to 
practical  use. 

After  the  ship  has  successfully  passed  the  trial 
trip  she  then  returns  to  the  ship-yard,  where  all  de- 
fects are  remedied  and  the  furnishings  and  all  nec- 
essary equipments  installed.  When  completed, 
the  ship  is  then  ready  to  be  commissioned. 

Placing  a  battleship  in  commission  is  a  very 
quiet  and  simple  affair.  Shortly  before  the  ship  is 
placed  in  commission  a  small  part  of  the  crew  is 
sent  to  the  ship.  These  are  mostly  from  the  en- 
gineer's department,  thus  enabling  them  to  be- 
come familiar  with  the  machinery,  etc.  The  bal- 
ance of  the  ship's  complement  have  been  previously 
selected,  and  are  held  in  readiness  for  the  day 
when  they  are  ordered  to  the  ship. 

The  captain  musters  all  hands  aft  on  the  quarter- 
deck and  reads  out  his  orders,  which  state  that  the 
Navy  Department  has  ordered  him  to  assume  com- 
mand of  the  ship,  etc.  The  orders  on  the  com- 
missioning having  been  read  and  ''Old  Glory" 
hoisted,  the  ship  is  then  entered  upon  the  ''active 
list  '*  of  naval  vessels. 

When  a  ship  is  commissioned  she  is  taken   in 


Officers  of  the  Ship  15 

hand  by  the  officers  and  crew  and  **  broken  in** 
like  a  young  colt.  Fire,  collision,  and  other  drills 
are  frequently  held,  and  the  ship  is  taken  out  for 
short  cruises,  to  familiarize  the  crew  with  their  new 
home. 

The  ship  is  again  put  through  a  series  of  severe 
tests,  the  most  important  being  the  firing  of  the 
ship's  guns  to  ascertain  the  concussion,  etc.  The 
builders  are  held  responsible  for  any  defects  that 
may  arise  within  a  specified  period  of  time.  After 
a  short  period  of  patience  and  toil  the  ship  is  finally 
*'  broken  in  '*  and  ready  to  be  assigned  to  duty. 

OFFICERS   OF   THE   SHIP 

Admiral,  The  Navy  ships  in  commission  are 
divided  into  fleets.  For  instance,  the  ships  at- 
tached to  the  Asiatic  Fleet  do  duty  in  the  vicinity  of 
China,  Japan,  the  Philippines,  and  all  other  countries 
near  by.  When  the  fleet  consists  of  a  large  num- 
ber of  ships  it  is  then  divided  into  squadrons  and 
divisions.  Each  squadron  or  division  is  generally 
under  the  command  of  an  admiral,  while  the  entire 
fleet  is  under  the  command  of  the  senior  admiral, 
who  is  known  as  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
fleet. 

When  at  sea  the  admiral  often  puts  the  entire 
fleet  through  a  series  of  maneuvers,  all  of  which 
require  great  tact  and  skill.     It  is  an  imposing  sight 


1 6  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

to  witness  a  fleet  of  large  ships  maneuvering  about 
with  clockwork  precision.  In  time  of  action  prompt 
maneuvering  is  one  of  the  most  important  factors. 
All  orders  are  sent  from  the  flag-ship,  each  ship  of 
the  fleet  keeping  a  keen  lookout,  obeying  all  sig- 
nals promptly,  etc.  The  admiral  has  several  offi- 
cers attached  to  his  staff,  and  they  assist  him  in 
many  ways,  as  the  duties  required  of  an  admiral 
are  of  a  varied  nature. 

The  ships  of  the  fleet  are  inspected  regularly  by 
the  admiral  and  his  staff ;  every  nook  and  corner 
of  the  ship  is  thoroughly  inspected,  besides  the 
personnel  of  the  ship.  In  time  of  war  the  greatest 
responsibility  rests  upon  the  admiral.  Should  com- 
munication with  Washington  be  impossible,  the 
admiral  would  then  have  to  use  his  own  discretion 
according  to  the  circumstances  of  the  case.  When 
more  than  one  admiral  are  together  in  a  fleet  the 
senior  admiral  would  display  from  his  ship  a  blue 
flag  and  the  other  would  use  a  red  flag.  Should 
there  be  three  admirals  together,  the  junior  admiral 
would  display  a  white  flag.  Upon  being  separated 
from  the  fleet  the  admiral  in  command  of  any  fleet,  '' 
squadron,  or  division  would  then  hoist  his  senior 
flag. 

Captain,     The  captain  is  in  command  of  the  ship 
to  which  be  is  assigned,  and  is  responsible  for  the 


Officers  of  the  Ship  17 

ship  in  general.  The  captain  and  admiral  both 
have  their  own  private  quarters,  each  having  his 
own  cook,  steward,  and  mess  attendants. 

The  captain  is  known  as  the  Commanding  Officer, 
and  is  clothed  with  a  great  deal  of  authority. 
Should  two  or  more  ships  be  together  with  no  ad- 
miral among  them,  the  senior  captain  would  then 
be  in  command.  Both  the  captain  and  admiral 
have  their  own  boats,  which  are  for  their  personal 
use.  At  the  bow  of  the  admiral's  launch  or  oared 
boat  are  two  gilt  stars,  which  signify  admiral's 
barge.  At  the  bow  of  the  captain's  gig  is  a  long 
gilt  arrow,  which  signifies  Commanding  Officer's 
gig.  All  promotions  of  the  enlisted  men  aboard 
the  ship  are  made  upon  the  captain's  indorsement ; 
the  other  officers  in  charge  of  the  different  depart- 
ments and  divisions  do  the  recommending.  Dur- 
ing battle,  important  maneuvers,  entering  or  leav- 
ing port,  etc.,  the  captain  is  on  the  bridge.  The 
only  real  difference  between  a  captain  and  a  com- 
mander is  that  the  former  is  of  higher  rank  and  has 
command  of  a  larger  ship. 

Executive  Officer.  This  officer  is  the  right-hand 
man  of  the  captain  and  has  complete  charge  of  the 
running  of  the  ship.  He  is  also  the  equipment 
and  construction  officer.  All  stores  issued  out  and 
all  repairs  made  on  the  ship,  except  those  of  the 


1 8  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

engineer's,  navigator's,  and  ordnance  departments, 
are  under  his  supervision.  The  executive  has  tof 
attend  to  an  extensive  correspondence,  which  in- 
cludes quarterly  reports,  recommendations,  ratings, 
and  hundreds  of  other  details  required  by  the  daily 
routine  of  the  ship. 

Three  yeomen  assist  the  executive :  two  for  his 
office  work,  the  other  being  assigned  charge  of 
the  equipment  stores.  Stores,  tools,  and  materials 
of  every  description  are  constantly  needed  for  the 
ship.  Each  quarter  a  ship  is  allowed  a  certain 
amount  of  stores,  which  are  served  out  when  needed 
for  use  at  different  intervals.  In  this  way  the  ex- 
ecutive exercises  great  care  that  no  stores,  etc.,  are 
wasted.  The  executive  attends  to  it  that  the  ship 
is  made  ready  for  inspection  and  kept  in  good  con- 
dition at  all  times. 

Every  Sunday  morning  the  captain  inspects  the 
entire  ship,  including  the  crew.  The  executive 
officer  of  a  ship  generally  ranks  next  to  the  cap- 
tain. When  dining  in  the  ward-room  the  executive 
sits  at  the  head  of  the  table. 

Engineer  Officer.  The  senior  engineer  officer  is  in 
charge  of  the  engineer's  department  and  is  respon- 
sible for  all  the  machinery  operated  by  steam  power. 
All  compartments,  double  bottoms,  piping,  valves, 
etc.,  within  the  boundaries  of  the  engineer's  de- 


Three  Rear-Admirals.  Rear-Admiral  R.  D.  Evans  (seated),  Commander-in-Chief 
of  the  great  Atlantic  Fleet.  Rear-Admiral  C.  H.  Davis  (on  right),  command- 
ing the  Second  division  of  first  squadron.  Rear-Admiral  W.  H.  Brownson  (on 
left),  commanding  the  second  squadron  of  the  Atlantic  Fleet. 

Photograph  by  Dawson-Rich  Co  ,  Philadelphia. 


Officers  of  the  Ship  19 

partment  are  kept  in  order  by  that  department. 
The  machinery  of  a  battleship  is  no  small  item, 
and  the  labor,  patience,  and  time  occupied  in  keep- 
ing it  in  good  shape  are  enormous.  A  large  force  of 
mechanics,  firemen,  and  coal-passers  are  attached 
to  this  department.  An  accurate  log  is  kept  by 
the  engineer's  department,  where  an  account  is 
kept  of  all  coal,  water,  etc.,  used ;  also  every  minor 
detail  of  the  department  is  recorded.  The  senior 
engineer  is  assisted  in  his  duties  by  one  or  more 
junior  engineer  officers  and  the  regular  warrant 
machinists. 

These  junior  officers,  with  the  warrant  machinists, 
stand  regular  steaming  watches  at  sea  and  perform 
the  regular  day's  duty  when  in  port. 

Great  care  must  be  exercised  with  the  machinery 
of  the  ship  at  all  times,  because  when  the  ship  has 
completed  a  voyage  many  repairs  are  made  by  the 
department.  All  our  large  ships  are  equipped  with 
powerful  machinery,  and  should  any  work  be  done 
carelessly  or  incompetently,  a  serious  accident 
might  be  the  result.  ^ 

Navigator.  This  officer  has  charge  of  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  ship.  All  compasses,  steering-gear, 
signaling  apparatus,  etc.,  must  be  kept  in  perfect 
condition.  The  navigator  has  a  private  office  of 
his  own,  and  also  a  yeoman  to  perform  the  clerical 


20  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

work,  as  the  navigator  has  charge  of  the  ship's  log. 
Everything  pertaining  to  the  ship,  such  as  the 
amount  of  coal  and  water  on  hand,  ship's  draught, 
speed  made,  position,  etc.,  is  entered  in  the  log- 
book. 

The  smooth  log  is  made  up  regularly  and  signed 
by  the  watch  officers,  navigator,  and  captain,  and 
forwarded  to  Washington  at  intervals. 

When  the  ship  receives  her  sailing  orders  the 
navigator  takes  out  his  charts  and  lays  out  the 
course  of  the  ship.  All  the  electrical  apparatus  of 
the  ship,  such  as  search-lights,  electrical  machinery, 
etc.,  are  in  charge  of  the  navigator.  On  the 
smaller  types  of  ships  the  navigator  is  also  the  ord- 
nance officer. 

Ordnance  Officer,  This  officer  is  in  charge  of  all 
guns,  ammunition,  magazines,  torpedoes,  ammuni- 
tion hoists,  and  their  many  appurtenances.  The 
greatest  caution  is  exercised  with  the  ordnance  of 
the  ship.  The  guns  must  be  kept  in  the  best  of 
condition,  powder  tested  regularly,  and  in  fact  every 
detail  is  attended  to.  This  is  extremely  necessary, 
because,  should  an  emergency  arise,  the  guns  of 
the  ship  would  be  ready  for  instant  use. 

Target  practice  is  held  regularly  with  the  ship's 
battery,  and  a  good  score  at  target  practice  is  quite 
a  feather  in  the  ordnance  officer's  cap. 


Officers  of  the  Ship  21 

There  is  an  enormous  amount  of  ordnance  para- 
phernalia required  on  board  ship.  Several  of  our 
ships  have  a  battery  consisting  of  seventy-four  guns 
of  varied  calibers,  and  were  all  these  guns  to  be 
fired  simultaneously,  nearly  four  tons  of  projectiles 
would  be  hurled  through  the  air.  Were  the  total 
weight  of  projectiles  fired  from  a  single  ship  in  bat- 
tle figured  up,  the  weight  would  no  doubt  repre- 
sent the  tonnage  of  an  average  gunboat. 

Medical  Officer,  A  complete  medical  staff,  con- 
sisting of  one  senior  doctor,  one  junior,  one  hospi- 
tal steward,  and  the  hospital  apprentices,  is  carried 
on  every  large  ship.  Special  quarters  are  provided 
for  the  sick-bay,  or  ship's  hospital.  The  sick-bay 
contains  a  number  of  bunks,  dispensary,  and  opera- 
ting-table. 

Every  morning  the  bugler  sounds  sick  call,  and 
those  wishing  to  interview  the  doctor  report  at  the 
sick-bay.  Should  the  complaint  be  of  a  serious 
nature,  the  patient  is  put  on  the  binnacle  list  and 
excused  from  all  duties.  Often  during  an  emer- 
gency operations  are  performed  aboard  ship.  When 
convenient  a  serious  case  is  transferred  ashore  to 
some  naval  hospital  for  further  treatment.  When  on 
a  foreign  station,  the  doctor  can  recommend  that 
certain  patients  be  sent  home  for  further  treatment 
should  the  circumstances  of  the  case  warrant  it. 


22  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Pay  Officer,  The  pay  department  issues  money, 
clothing,  and  rations  to  the  crew.  The  crew  are 
paid  monthly,  each  member  having  a  pay  number. 

On  pay  day  the  crew  line  up  by  the  pay  office, 
and  as  each  person  is  paid,  he  signs  for  the  money 
received.  At  the  end  of  each  quarter  the  crew 
sign  their  quarterly  accounts,  a  duplicate  of  which 
is  forwarded  to  Washington.  Should  it  so  happen 
that  a  member  of  the  crew  is  short  in  his  account, 
he  can  refuse  to  sign  his  account.  In  this  way  a 
mistake  is  seldom  made. 

It  is  quite  a  task  to  keep  the  accounts  straight, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  constant  changes  take  place 
resulting  from  transfers,  promotions,  etc. 

The  crew  are  fed  by  the  pay  department,  a  com- 
missary steward  being  in  charge.  A  great  amount 
of  money  is  handled  aboard  a  battleship,  because 
the  crew  are  paid  regularly,  and  an  enormous 
amount  of  stores,  provisions,  etc.,  are  purchased 
ashore  by  **open  purchase."  Much  of  the  money 
handled  by  the  paymaster  consists  of  Navy  pay 
checks,  which  are  as  good  as  gold.  The  ship's 
canteen  is  also  operated  by  the  pay  department. 

The  paymaster  is  placed  under  heavy  bonds,  he 
being  responsible  for  everything  pertaining  to  his 
department.  Should  a  member  of  the  crew  wish  to 
leave  an  allotment  to  his  folks  or  to  anyone  else, 
he  can  do  so.     The  allotment  money  would  be  de- 


Officers  of  the  Ship  23 

ducted  from  his  accounts  and   sent  regularly  to  the 
person  in  whose  favor  the  allotment  is  made. 

A  pay  clerk  is  appointed  to  assist  the  paymaster 
with  his  duties ;  a  couple  of  yeomen  and  a  Jack-of- 
the-dust  are  also  assigned  to  that  department. 

Other  Officers.  There  are  a  great  many  other  offi- 
cers aboard  ship  who  stand  regular  watches  besides 
being  in  charge  of  their  respective  divisions  and 
batteries.  The  crew  are  divided  into  divisions, 
such  as  powder,  engineer's,  navigator's,  and  pay 
divisions,  an  officer  being  in  charge  of  each  depart- 
ment. 

The  deck  force  is  divided  into  divisions,  such  as 
first,  second,  third,  etc.  Each  division  is  in  charge  of 
a  line  officer,  who  is  assisted  by  other  officers  of  lower 
rank.  A  marine  captain  and  lieutenant  have  charge 
of  the  marines  aboard  ship. 

One  or  more  officers  are  always  on  watch,  whether 
the  ship  is  at  sea  or  in  port. 

On  the  large  ships  an  officer,  known  as  the  signal 
officer,  is  in  charge  of  the  signaling  of  the  ship. 
The  wireless  telegraph  is  now  installed  in  most  of 
our  ships,  and  this  is  of  great  value  in  receiving  and 
sending  messages.  Many  secret  codes  are  used 
when  signaling.  The  captain  has  a  secret-code  sig- 
nal-book, which  is  bound  with  sheet  lead.  The 
book  is  bound  in  metal  so  that  in  time  of  war  the 


24  The  American  Battleship  in  G^mmission 

book  could  be  thrown  overboard  should  the  ship 
fall  into  the  enemy's  hands. 

Warrant  Officers.  Several  warrant  officers  act  as 
assistants  to  the  officer  in  charge  of  their  respective 
departments.  Nearly  all  of  them  are  promoted  from 
enlisted  men,  and  their  rank,  pay,  and  general  sur- 
roundings are  very  congenial.  The  Navy  regula- 
tions allow  a  warrant  officer  to  become  a  commis- 
sioned officer  provided  he  can  pass  the  examination, 
which  is  a  very  severe  one.  Upon  passing  success- 
fully, the  warrant  officer  is  made  an  ensign  and  is 
gradually  promoted  in  turn  to  the  higher  ranks,  as 
his  ability  and  service  warrant. 

Boatswain,  gunner,  carpenter,  warrant  machinist, 
sail-maker,  and  pharmacist  represent  the  warrant 
officers  of  a  ship.  Some  ships,  however,  do  not 
carry  a  sail-maker  or  pharmacist.  Pay  clerks  and 
mates  have  about  the  same  status  as  the  warrant 
officers;  instead  of  being  warranted  they  are  ap- 
pointed. Mates  are  appointed  from  the  enlisted 
men,  and  the  position  is  an  honorary  one,  given  to 
the  men  who  have  faithful  service  to  their  credit. 
Those  who  are  too  old  or  are  unable  to  pass  the  ex- 
amination for  warrant  officer  find  it  quite  easy  to 
qualify  for  mate. 

A  warrant  officer,  after  serving  as  such  for  a  period 
of  six  years,   is  examined    for   promotion.     If   he 


How  Officers  are  Made  25 

passes  the  examination  successfully  he  is  commis- 
sioned in  his  own  respective  corps,  such  as  chief 
boatswains,  chief  gunners,  etc. 

HOW   OFFICERS   ARE    MADE 

Senators,  Representatives,  and  delegates  in  Con- 
gress appoint  the  midshipmen  from  their  respective 
districts.  Upon  being  appointed  the  applicant  must 
undergo  a  careful  examination,  both  physical  and 
mental.  If  the  examination  is  successfully  passed, 
the  applicant  is  then  admitted  to  the  Naval  Acad- 
emy. Midshipmen  are  put  through  a  six-year  course, 
of  which  four  years  are  spent  at  the  academy  and  two 
in  a  sea-going  ship.  Upon  completing  the  course 
a  final  examination  takes  place.  Those  who  pass 
successfully  are  commissioned  ensigns,  each  class 
being  appointed  in  order  of  merit.  For  instance, 
the  class  of  1906  consisted  of  two  hundred  midship- 
men. The  one  who  made  the  lowest  marks  would 
be  put  at  the  bottom  of  the  list.  Each  officer  has 
a  certain  number. 

When  an  officer  is  promoted,  retired,  etc.,  all 
those  below  him  in  numbers  go  up  one  notch. 


CHAPTER   II 

PREPARING    FOR  A  VOYAGE — AT   SEA — IN    PORT — 

DAILY   ROUTINE — DRILLS   OF   THE  WEEK—  ' 

DESCRIPTION   OF   DRILLS 

PREPARING    FOR   A   VOYAGE 

THE  flag-ship  gives  the  order  to  get  under 
way,  due  allowance  being  made  for  the  ship 
to  get  steam  up  in  the  boilers  and  have  every- 
thing in  readiness  for  the  voyage.  Ships  of  the 
Navy  in  commission  are  ready  for  duty  at  all  times. 
Immediately  after  arriving  in  port  from  a  long  voy- 
age the  coaling-gear  is  broken  out  and  the  ship 
coaled  up. 

The  paymaster  always  has  on  hand  a  certain 
amount  of  provisions.  Engines,  boilers,  and  in 
fact  every  part  of  the  ship  is  kept  in  perfect  order, 
so  that  when  the  order  is  received  to  get  *  *  under 
way  "  at  any  specified  time,  there  will  be  no  delay. 
Shortly  before  sailing-time  a  large  supply  of  fresh 
provisions   arrive    on   board.     The    fresh    meat    is 


Preparing  for  a  Voyage  27 

stowed  in  the  refrigerating  rooms,  the  vegetables 
being  stowed  in  the  vegetable  lockers. 

When  the  anchor-gear  is  "  broken  out,"  it  is  a 
good  sign  that  the  ship  is  about  to  start  on  her 
journey.  Everything  in  the  engine-room  is  ready, 
a  full  head  of  steam  is  up,  engines  have  been  warmed 
up  and  tested,  the  steaming  watch  is  on,  and  every- 
thing is  in  readiness  for  the  speed-annunciator  to 
give  the  signal. 

On  the  bridge  the  steering-gear,  speed-annuncia- 
tors, etc.,  have  been  tested  and  the  anchor-gear  is 
ready.  A  few  minutes  before  sailing-time  the  cap- 
tain and  executive  make  their  appearance  on  the 
bridge.  The  boats  and  gangways  have  previously 
been  taken  in,  and  everyone  awaits  the  word  *'up 
anchor. "  All  eyes  are  fixed  on  the  flag-ship  :  sud- 
denly as  the  signal  flutters  to  the  breeze  the  execu- 
tive gives  the  order  '*up  anchor."  The  anchor- 
engine  tugs  at  the  mighty  chains  as  they  come 
quivering  through  the  hawse-pipes.  Slowly  but 
surely  that  huge  anchor  is  hoisted,  and  when  it  ap- 
pears to  view  the  catt-falls  are  hooked  into  the  bal- 
ancing-link of  the  anchor,  which  is  then  hoisted 
aboard  and  placed  on  the  bill-board,  a  slanting  re- 
ceptacle to  which  the  anchor  is  secured  with  large 
clamps.  Many  ships  use  a  stockless  anchor;  the 
shank  of  this  type  of  anchor  is  drawn  into  the 
hawse-pipe.      The    instant    the  anchor   is   sighted 


28  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

and  found  to  be  clear  the  flag-ship  is  signaled  **all 
ready." 

Each  ship  of  the  fleet  strives  to  report  first, 
though  the  case  often  happens  that  the  anchor  is 
badly  fouled  by  having  the  chain  entangled  around 
the  anchor-stock  or  flukes. 

As  soon  as  all  of  the  ships  of  the  fleet  have  re- 
ported **  all  ready,"  the  signal  **  get  under  way"  is 
given,  and  the  ships  steam  in  columns  or  in  line, 
according  to  the  program,  the  flag-ship  leading. 

AT   SEA 

As  soon  as  the  anchor  is  hoisted  and  secured  all 
gear  about  the  deck  is  restowed,  boat  covers  put 
on,  and  should  the  sea  be  rough,  all  necessary 
hatches,  air-  and  gun-ports  are  well  secured.  The 
ship  is  now  ready  to  combat  any  storm  that  may 
arise.  When  a  passenger  steamer  encounters  a 
storm  at  sea  the  captain  generally  informs  the  pas- 
sengers that  it  was  the  worst  storm  he  ever  experi- 
enced during  his  thirty  years'  sea  experience,  etc. 

The  last  storm  is  always  worse  than  the  previous 
one.  This  is  done  for  effect  and  also  as  a  business 
proposition.  In  the  Navy  it  is  very  different,  as 
all  storms  look  alike  to  a  '*  man-o-war*s  "  man. 

A  warship  is  always  prepared  for  any  emergency, 
whether  it  be  to  battle  the  elements  or  the  enemy. 

When  at  sea  each  division  is  divided  into  two 


At  Sea  29 

watches,  port  and  starboard.  When  the  port  watch 
is  on  duty  they  do  all  their  work  in  their  part  of  the 
ship.  When  relieved  by  the  starboard  watch  the 
duties  are  performed  by  those  assigned  to  this  task. 

The  general  routine  at  sea  is  somewhat  different 
than  when  in  port.  On  the  bridge  are  the  regular 
watch  officers,  quartermasters,  signal-men,  and  the 
helmsman  standing  their  regular  watches.  A  sea- 
man is  stationed  at  the  wheel,  assisted,  if  necessary, 
by  the  quartermaster.  A  certain  course  is  designa- 
ted should  the  ship  be  in  fleet  formation ;  the  helms- 
man keeps  the  ship  in  line.  On  the  lower  decks  is 
a  member  of  the  carpenter's  gang  on  watch.  He 
sounds  all  bilges  regularly  and  keeps  a  sharp  look- 
out for  leaky  ports,  etc.  At  all  times  the  life- 
boats hang  ready  for  instant  use. 

These  boats  are  kept  well  provisioned  and  wa- 
tered. At  night  a  lantern  is  kept  lighted  in  the 
boat,  and  life-boat  crews  are  constantly  on  watch. 
Should  the  cry  of  '*  man  overboard  "  be  heard,  the 
boats  are  lowered  instantly.  Two  patent  life-buoys 
are  suspended  clear  of  the  ship's  sides.  These  are 
held  in  position  by  a  trigger-like  arrangement,  and 
when  the  trigger  is  pulled  the  life-buoy  then  drops 
into  the  sea.  Upon  contact  with  the  water  two 
jets  of  flame  spurt  up,  as  there  are  two  automatic 
torches  fastened  to  the  sides  of  the  life-buoy.  The 
person  in  the  water  heads    for  this  buoy,  and  as 


30  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

soon  as  the  life-boats  get  clear  of  the  ship  they  also 
head  for  the  life-buoy.  It  is  a  rare  occurrence  that 
the  cry  of  **man  overboard"  is  heard.  In  nearly 
every  instance  the  person  is  promptly  rescued. 

All  hands,  except  those  on  watch,  turn  in  by 
eight  in  the  evening.  Throughout  the  day  a  look- 
out is  stationed  in  the  forward  fighting  top  in  order 
to  keep  a  keen  lookout  for  passing  vessels,  land, 
etc.  Should  a  sailing-vessel,  steamer,  or  land  be 
sighted,  the  lookout  would  cry  **  sail  ho,"  **  smoke 
ho,"  or  *Mand  ho,"  as  the  case  might  be.  The 
officer  of  the  deck  would  in  turn  inquire  **  where 
away!"  Whereupon  the  lookout  would  report  to 
him  the  direction  in  which  he  sights  the  object. 

At  noon  when  the  weather  is  fair  the  navigator 
observes  the  altitude  of  the  sun  with  his  sextant, 
from  which  he  determines  the  exact  position  of  the 
ship.  Should  the  weather  be  inclement  for  several 
days,  the  position  of  the  ship  would  then  be  judged 
by  **dead  reckoning,"  which  is  done  by  calcula- 
tions from  speed  and  courses  steamed  and  plottings 
on  the  chart.  The  patent  log,  which  is  towed  astern 
when  the  ship  is  under  way,  registers  the  speed 
made,  and,  allowing  for  currents,  etc.,  the  ship's 
position  can  be  fairly  judged. 

As  soon  as  the  ship  nears  port  both  anchors  are 
prepared  for  letting  go,  boats  made  ready  for  low- 
ering, and  the  gangways  made  ready  for  shipping. 


c/}      -E 

a 


In  Port  31 

IN   PORT 

After  a  long  voyage  land  is  a  very  welcome  sight. 
Upon  entering  a  foreign  port  the  ship  steams  in 
slowly,  so  as  to  allow  the  quarantine  authorities  and 
other  officials  to  board  and  examine  the  ship's  papers. 
An  American  warship  can,  in  most  every  instance, 
show  a  clean  bill  of  health,  because  the  crews  are  a 
healthy  body  of  men.  Jack's  health  is  well  cared 
for.  Every  enlisted  man  carries  a  complete  outfit 
of  clothes  which  are  adapted  for  both  hot  and  cold 
climates. 

After  the  papers  have  been  examined  and  found 
to  be  satisfactory,  the  ship  then  proceeds  into  the 
harbor.  On  the  port  and  starboard  sides  of  the 
ship  are  two  small  extension  platforms  called  chains. 
Seamen  are  detailed  in  the  chains  to  heave  the  lead. 
At  each  heave  of  the  lead  the  leadsman  drawls  out 
the  depth  in  a  sea-going  voice.  When  the  ship 
has  reached  the  anchorage  spot  the  engines  are  or- 
dered reversed,  and  when  the  ship  commences  to  go 
astern  the  anchor  is  ordered  let  go.  The  anchor 
is  released  by  a  trigger  arrangement.  At  its  release 
a  great  splash  is  made,  the  anchor  chain  creating  a 
great  noise  as  it  rattles  through  the  hawse-pipe. 
The  chain  is  marked  at  intervals,  and  the  amount 
slacked  out  is  regulated  by  the  depth  of  the  water, 
tides,  position,  etc.  As  the  anchor  drops  lower, 
booms  are  rigged  out,  National  Ensign  hoisted  at 


32  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

the  stern,  the  Union  Jack  run  up  at  the  bow,  all 
necessary  boats  lowered,  gangways  shipped,  and 
once  more  the  port  routine  is  in  evidence. 

After  completing  a  long  voyage  the  ship  is  more 
or  less  disordered.  Side-cleaners  go  over  the  side 
and  scrub  all  paint-work  with  soap  and  water.  The 
ship  is  soon  coaled  up  and  all  other  necessary  stores 
laid  in. 

After  coaling,  the  ship  is  given  a  thorough  clean- 
ing from  stem  to  stern.  All  boat  gear,  movable 
articles  about  the  deck,  etc.,  are  broken  out  and 
given  a  good  scrubbing.  When  all  these  operations 
have  been  completed  the  ship  is  once  more  neat 
and  clean,  to  the  satisfaction  and  relief  of  all 
hands. 

All  bright  work  about  the  ship  is  shined  up, 
clean  bags  and  hammocks  are  given  out  to  the  men, 
the  dirty  ones  being  scrubbed  and  turned  in.  The 
ship  is  touched  up  with  paint  where  needed.  When 
the  ship  is  clean  and  in  good  order  the  crew  is  given 
liberty. 

The  liberty  party  goes  ashore  in  watches  or  sec- 
tions, each  member  of  the  crew  belonging  to  a  cer- 
tain watch  and  liberty  section.  The  liberty  sec- 
tions are  composed  from  different  parts  of  the  ship's 
crew,  so  as  to  equalize  the  work  among  the  men 
left  aboard.  A  party  of  bluejackets  going  ashore 
represent  the  picture  of  happiness,  as  each  is  togged 


Daily  Routine  33 

out  in  his  best  and  is  in  for  a  good  time.     They  do 
not  disappoint  themselves  either. 

After  taps  has  gone  the  ship  appears  to  be  de- 
serted, as  everything  is  as  quiet  as  a  mouse,  there 
being  no  one  about  the  ship  except  the  quartermaster, 
sentries,  anchor  watch,  and  the  few  men  on  watch 
in  the  engineer's  department. 

DAILY  ROUTINE 

The  routine  aboard  ship  is  regulated  as  system- 
atically as  a  clock.  At  5:00  A.M.  **  reveille  "  is 
blown  by  the  bugler,  and  all  hands,  except  the  few 
who  have  stood  a  night  watch,  turn  out,  dress,  and 
lash  and  stow  away  the  hammocks,  which  must  be 
accomplished  within  ten  minutes.  Those  who  have 
stood  a  night  watch  sleep  in  until  seven.  From 
5  :io  A.M.  to  5  :30  A.M.  hot  coffee  or  cocoa  is  served 
out  to  the  crew  from  their  respective  messes.  At 
5  130  A.M.  '*  turn  to  "  goes,  and  all  hands  go  about 
their  special  duties.  Decks,  paint-work,  boat  gear, 
etc.,  are  scrubbed  and  cleaned,  all  of  which  work  is 
regulated  by  the  morning  order-book.  At  6:45  A.  M. 
the  decks  are  washed  down  and  dried  and  the  gear 
about  the  decks  stowed  away  in  the  proper  places. 
At  7  :oo  A.M.  the  morning  work  is  about  completed 
and  the  crew  commence  to  wash  up  and  get  ready 
for  breakfast.  At  7:20  A.M.  ''mess  gear"  is 
**  piped,"  and  the  messmen  lower  the  mess  tables, 


34  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

set  up  benches,  and  lay  out  the  breakfast.  At 
7:30  A.M.  breakfast  is  ready,  and  each  member  of 
the  crew  goes  to  his  respective  mess  and  eats.  No 
one  ever  forgets  the  number  of  his  mess — it  is  too 
important. 

At  7:50  A.M.  first  call  to  '*  colors  **  sounds;  also 
band  call.  The  band  assembles  aft  on  the  quarter- 
deck. At  8:00  A.M.  the  band  plays  colors.  Old 
Glory  is  then  hoisted,  and  all  hands  on  the  upper 
decks  stand  at  attention  facing  the  flag.  As  the 
band  finishes  playing  the  salute  is  given. 

At  8:30  A.M.  sick  call  is  sounded,  and  those 
wishing  to  visit  the  doctor  go  down  to  the  sick-bay 
and  tell  their  troubles. 

At  9:00  A.M.  the  crew  wind  up  their  work  and 
clear  up  the  decks  for  quarters.  All  gear  about 
the  decks  is  carefully  stowed  away  or  made  up,  and 
the  decks  given  a  thorough  sweeping.  The  crew 
now  shift  into  clean  clothes  ready  for  quarters. 

At  9:25  A.M.  the  officer's  call  to  quarters  is 
sounded,  and  the  crew  go  to  their  respective  divi- 
sions dressed  neatly  and  cleanly. 

At  9:30  A.M.  quarters  is  sounded  and  the  divi- 
sion officer  inspects  his  division  and  reports  to  the 
executive  officer. 

Shortly  after  quarters  retreat  and  drill  call  is 
sounded,  the  drills  varying  according  to  the  order 
of  the  day. 


Daily  Routine  35 

At  10:30  A.M.  retreat  from  the  drill.  The  crew 
are  now  generally  at  leisure  until  1 130  P.M. 

At  ii:oo  A.M.  band  call  is  sounded  and  the 
band  assembled  for  practice. 

At  11:50  A.M.  '*  mess  gear  "  is  piped,  and  at 
12  :oo  M.  dinner  is  piped,  and  crew  sit  down  to  eat. 

At  I  :oo  P.M.  **  turn  to  "  is  piped  and  the  decks 
are  swept  down  At  i  :30  P.M.  drill  call  is  sounded, 
and  at  2  :30  P.M.  retreat  from  drill. 

But  little  work  is  done  for  the  remainder  of  the  day. 

At  5  :oo  P  M.  evening  quarters  is  had.  At  5  :20 
P.M.  ''  mess  gear"  is  piped,  and  5  :30  P.M.  the  sup- 
per is  piped  down. 

Ten  minutes  before  sundown  first  call  to  **  colors'* 
and  band  call  is  sounded.  At  7:00  P.M.  band  call 
is  sounded.  On  some  evenings  the  band  plays  for 
the  crew  and  on  others  for  the  officers. 

At  7:30  P.M.  the  call  **  hammocks'*  is  blown, 
and  the  crew  line  up  alongside  the  hammock  net- 
tings where  the  hammocks  are  stowed,  and  when 
the  boatswain*s  mates  pipe  down  the  hammocks  are 
taken  out  of  the  nettings.  Then  the  owners  take 
them  below  and  swing  them  on  the  hammock 
hooks,  the  number  of  the  hook  and  that  of  the 
hammock  corresponding. 

At  8:00  P.M.  the  carpenter,  gunner,  sail-maker, 
master-at-arms,  and  captain  of  the  hold  report  ev- 
erything secure  in  their  respective  departments. 


36  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

At  8:50  P.M.  first  call  is  sounded,  and  all  those 
who  have  not  yet  turned  in  do  so.  All  unneces- 
sary lights  about  the  ship  are  extinguished. 

At  9:00  P.M.  taps  are  blown  and  all  hands  turn 
in  their  hammocks  except  those  on  watch.  The 
master-at-arms  goes  through  the  ship  reporting  all 
secure.  When  with  a  fleet  the  senior  ship  fires  a 
nine-o'clock  gun. 

DRILLS    OF   THE   WEEK 

The  drills  aboard  ship  vary  considerably,  accord- 
ing to  the  weather  and  other  circumstances.  As  a 
general  rule,  the  important  drills  occur  on  certain 
days  of  the  week,  and  when  these  drills  are  taking 
place,  nearly  all  other  work  is  suspended. 

Monday  morning  the  quarters  and  small-arm  drill 
takes  place.  Members  of  the  crew  are  put  through 
the  manual  of  arms  on  the  upper  decks.  In  the 
afternoon  boat  drill  is  held  and  all  boats  are  low- 
ered, the  crew  going  out  for  either  sailing  or  row» 
ing  purposes. 

Tuesday  morning  is  devoted  to  quarters  and  bat- 
talion drill.  All  members  of  the  battalion  equip 
themselves  for  heavy  marching  order,  where  they 
all  muster  on  the  quarter-deck.  In  the  afternoon 
signal  drill  is  held,  members  of  the  crew  practicing 


Drifls  of  the  Week  ZT 

with  each  other.  All  members  of  the  seamen 
branch  must  be  proficient  in  signaling.  Should  the 
weather  and  other  conditions  be  unfavorable,  all 
minor  drills  are  subject  to  change. 

Wednesday  morning  the  quarters  and  fire  drill 
is  held.  From  this  drill  no  one  is  excused,  although 
in  the  minor  drills  several  are  excused.  These  are 
principally  artificers,  engineer's  force,  etc. 

Wednesday  afternoon  is  sewing  and  mending  day, 
and  should  the  weather  be  fair,  Jack  breaks  out  his 
bag  of  clothes  and  gives  them  an  airing  and  an 
overhauling. 

Thursday  morning,  quarters  and  general  quar- 
ters. Every  person  aboard  ship  has  a  station  at 
this  drill.  In  the  afternoon  sword  exercise  is  held. 
Members  of  the  crew  are  given  single  sticks  or 
wooden  swords,  with  which  they  learn  to  be  on  the 
offensive  or  defensive. 

Friday  morning  quarters  and  collision  drill  is 
held.  Great  promptness  is  displayed  in  this  drill, 
all  compartments,  etc.,  are  closed,  and  the  collision 
mat  is  thrown  overboard  and  drawn  over  the  imag- 
inary hole.  In  the  afternoon  arm  and  away  is  held. 
The  ship's  boats  leave  the  ship  with  an  armed  par- 
ty for  landing  or  boarding  purposes. 


38  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Saturday  is  a  general  field  day,  and  no  drills  or 
routine  of  any  kind  excepting  evening  quarters  is 
held.  The  ship  is  given  a  thorough  cleaning  up,  so 
as  to  have  her  ready  for  the  regular  Sunday  morn- 
ing inspection.  In  the  afternoon  there  is  but  little 
work  going  on.  The  ship  is  touched  up  with  paint 
where  needed,  and  the  inclosed  decks  are  freshly 
shellaced. 

Sunday  morning  the  ship  is  given  an  extra  touch- 
ing up,  all  bright  work  is  highly  polished,  and  at 
quarters  the  crew  muster  in  their  best  clothes. 

The  captain  and  executive  go  through  the  entire 
ship,  inspecting  the  crew,  all  store-rooms,  com- 
partments, etc. 

After  inspection  the  crew  are  at  leisure  until 
Monday  morning.  There  are  always  a  certain 
number  of  men  on  watch  at  all  times,  such  as  elec- 
tricians, quartermasters,  marines,  and  members  of 
the  engineer's  force.  Their  watches  are  so  regu- 
lated that  each  one  has  certain  days  off  duty. 

DESCRIPTION    OF    DRILLS 

Fire  Drill,  Located  in  different  parts  of  the  ship 
are  many  fire-plugs,  reels  of  hose,  nozzles,  and  fire- 
axes.  The  instant  the  fire-alarm  and  location  of 
the  fire  is  given  all  hands  rush  to  their  allotted  sta- 
tions, each  one  being  detailed  to  perform  certain 


Description  of  Drills  39 

duties.  The  smotherers  run  to  the  hammock  net- 
tings, each  grabbing  a  hammock  with  which  to 
smother  the  fire.  Extra  pressure  is  put  on  the  fire- 
main,  fire-hoses  are  coupled  up,  and  in  a  short  time 
there  are  several  streams  of  water  available.  Down 
in  the  engine-room  are  huge  fire-pumps  which  sup- 
ply all  the  necessary  water.  Salt  water  is  used  for 
fire  purposes.  After  ''secure"  is  sounded,  every- 
thing is  restowed  and  secured.  Electric  gongs  are 
placed  throughout  the  ship  to  give  the  alarm  about 
the  decks.  All  our  large  ships  are  built  of  metal 
throughout,  and  what  little  woodwork  is  used  in  the 
interior  is  made  fireproof  by  treating  it  with  certain 
chemicals.  In  case  of  fire  all  unused  compartments 
are  promptly  closed,  thus  confining  the  danger. 

Abandoning  Ship,  Every  person  aboard  ship  is 
detailed  to  the  ship's  boats.  These  are  small  boats 
of  which  a  sufficient  number  is  carried  to  accommo- 
date the  entire  crew  in  case  it  should  be  necessary 
for  them  to  abandon  the  ship.  No  one  is  excused 
from  this  drill,  except  the  few  men  on  watch. 
Each  one  is  detailed  to  assist  and  provide  for  his 
respective  boat.  Some  get  water,  others  provi- 
sions, cook-stove,  arms,  ammunition,  mess  gear, 
etc.  Breakers  of  water  are  kept  carefully  stowed 
in  the  main  hold,  where  they  are  in  readiness  for  an 
emergency.     The  paymaster  throws  open  his  store- 


40  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

rooms,  where  all  necessary  provisions  can  be  pro- 
cured. 

Each  boat  contains  a  boat-box,  in  which  are  tools, 
fishing-gear,  nails,  strips  of  lead,  etc.  Often  when 
the  boats  are  provided  the  crew  get  into  them  and 
row  away  from  the  ship,  leaving  only  a  few  persons 
aboard. 

Each  boat  is  in  charge  of  an  officer,  and  when  the 
boats  return  to  the  ship  they  are  inspected  so  as  to 
ascertain  whether  they  have  been  properly  provided. 

General  Quarters,  This  drill  is  one  of  the  most 
important  held  aboard  ship.  It  is  generally  held 
once  a  week,  and  the  same  maneuvers  are  practised 
as  though  the  ship  were  in  action.  All  magazine 
doors  and  hatches  open  up  under  the  armored  deck 
where  the  ammunition  hoists  are  located.  There 
is  a  complete  system  of  trolleys  which  lead  from 
the  magazines  to  the  different  ammunition  hoists. 
The  ammunition  is  sent  to  the  different  ammuni- 
tion hoists  when  needed  for  the  guns. 

The  ship's  largest  guns,  which  are  mounted  in 
turrets,  have  the  magazines  facing  the  lower  part  of 
the  turret,  which  is  known  as  the  handling-room. 

The  ammunition  is  trolleyed  out  from  the  mag- 
azines, put  in  the  loading  car,  and  sent  up  to 
the  big  guns.  The  instant  general  quarters  is 
sounded  all  hands  rush  to  their  allotted  stations 


Description  of  Drills  41 

** double  time."  Everything  seems  to  be  in  con- 
fusion, but  such  is  not  the  case.  In  a  few  minutes 
there  is  a  continuous  stream  of  ammunition  being 
forwarded  to  the  guns.  Battle-hatches  are  battered 
down,  unused  compartments  closed,  and  everything 
is  ready  for  action.  Upon  deck  the  guns  are  ma- 
neuvered as  though  in  real  action,  torpedo  attacks 
are  repelled,  and  the  imaginary  enemy  put  out  of 
commission.     ^ 

At  drill  dummy  cartridges  are  used  in  the  smaller 
guns.  Sometimes  a  wooden  frame,  with  which  the 
six,  seven,  and  eight  inch  guns*  crew  drill,  is  put 
up.  At  one  end  a  regulation  breech-plug  mechan- 
ism is  attached.  All  loading  maneuvers  are  prac- 
ticed as  if  an  actual  battle  were  taking  place.  By 
using  these  different  appliances  the  gun  is  saved 
much  wear  and  tear. 

Regular  drills  develop  perfect  team  work,  and 
when  the  guns  are  in  action,  either  on  the  target 
range  or  in  battle,  perfect  team  work  is  essential, 
because  if  one  man  of  the  gun's  crew  should  delay 
in  performing  his  particular  duty,  the  whole  gun 
crew  would  be  delayed. 

After  **  secure"  has  sounded  everything  is  re- 
stowed,  magazines  are  secured,  and  the  keys  re- 
turned to  the  captain.  The  keys  of  the  magazines 
can  be  secured  only  with  the  special  permission  of 
the  captain. 


42  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Battalion  Drill,  Many  persons  are  unaware  of 
the  fact  that  members  of  the  Navy  are  soldiers  as 
well  as  sailors. 

All  ships  have  a  battalion,  which  consists  of  every 
available  man  aboard.  The  battalion  is  used  for 
landing  purposes.  Should  any  trouble  arise  ashore 
and  Uncle  Sam's  interests  are  in  jeopardy,  the  bat- 
talion is  sent  ashore  fully  armed  and  equipped  and 
prepared  for  any  emergencies  that  may  arise. 

A  battleship  can  land  three  hundred  men  or 
more,  and  still  have  men  enough  left  aboard  to  op- 
erate the  ship.  Where  a  fleet  of  warships  is  lying 
together  a  large  force  of  men  could  be  landed  if 
necessary. 

At  drill  the  battalion  musters  on  the  quarter-deck 
fully  equipped  for  marching  order.  Each  man  car- 
ries a  haversack,  canteen,  arms,  and  ammunition. 
The  haversack  contains  blankets,  poncho,  shifts  of 
clothing,  pair  of  shoes,  toilet  gear,  and  mess  kit. 
The  haversack  and  canteen  are  thrown  over  the 
shoulders.  Each  member  of  the  battalion  wears 
leggings. 

In  the  battalion  are  the  pioneers,  consisting  of  the 
carpenter's  gang;  each  member  carries  a  set  of 
tools. 

The  **  color"  guard  march  with  the  ** color" 
bearers  protecting  Old  Glory.  A  couple  of  three- 
inch  field-pieces  and  other  small  machine  guns  are 


O     w 


Description  of  Drills  43 

also  attached  to  the  battalion,  so  that  in  case  of 
trouble  ashore  a  formidable  landing  party  can  be 
sent. 

A  battalion  can  be  kept  ashore  for  a  month  or 
more  if  necessary.  There  have  been  several  in- 
stances where  a  battalion  has  been  landed  for  ac- 
tion, and  it  has  always  performed  its  duty. 

It  is  a  very  imposing  sight  to  witness  a  battalion 
of  marines  and  bluejackets  fully  equipped  march- 
ing around  the  decks  to  martial  music. 

The  medical  department  is  also  represented  in 
the  battalion.  When  convenient,  the  battalion  is 
taken  ashore  and  drilled. 

Clear  Ship  for  Action.  This  drill  involves  a  great 
deal  of  labor,  as  the  ship  is  stripped  as  though  in 
action.  All  stanchions,  davits,  awnings,  chests, 
etc.,  are  cleared  away  so  as  to  give  the  guns  a  clear 
sweep.  All  chests,  mess  tables,  and  benches  are 
marked  ''O.  B."  and  stowed  away.  All  articles 
marked  **0.  B.'*  would  be  thrown  overboard  in 
time  of  action,  thus  reducing  the  danger  of  flying 
splinters,  etc.,  during  battle. 

When  the  ship  is  stripped  for  action  she  looks 
somewhat  like  a  bare  tree,  as  there  are  no  obstruc- 
tions or  gear  of  any  kind  about  the  decks. 

After  the  drill  is  over  the  ship  is  rigged  up  again, 
and  after  several  hours  of  toil  she  again  displays  a 


44  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

peaceful  appearance.  No  battleship,  however, 
could  properly  be  termed  peaceful  when  one  real- 
izes that  within  a  few  minutes  she  could  be  hurling 
several  half-ton  shells  through  the  air.  A  thirteen- 
inch  shell  weighs  eleven  hundred  pounds. 

When  going  on  the  range  for  target  practice  the 
ship  is  also  cleared  for  action. 

Target  Practice,  The  good  shooting  records 
made  by  the  ships  of  the  Navy  have  been  brought 
up  to  the  highest  standard  of  perfection.  Gun- 
pointers  of  the  Navy  are  appointed  from  the  crew. 
In  these  appointments  no  favoritism  is  shown,  and 
anyone  is  eligible,  whether  it  be  the  ship's  cook  or 
the  chief  boatswain's  mate.  Men  who  can  shoot 
straight  are  wanted,  and  Uncle  Sam  surely  has  them. 
By  rating  anyone  who  can  shoot  well  a  gun-pointer 
the  Navy  is  benefited  in  many  respects. 

A  large  number  of  the  crew  are  qualified  to  shoot 
the  big  guns.  Should  war  occur,  the  gun-pointers 
and  other  enlisted  men  of  the  Navy  who  remain  in 
civil  life  after  the  expiration  of  their  service  would 
come  to  the  front  if  needed.  With  the  large  fleet 
of  converted  cruisers  and  other  craft  which  would 
be  commissioned,  their  services  would  be  of  great 
value  owing  to  their  previous  training. 

It  is  not  only  the  gun-pointer  alone  who  is  valu- 
able, but  several  hundred  other  men  are  stationed  at 


Description  of  Drills  45 

the  different  parts  of  the  ship.  Each  of  these  has 
some  specific  duty  to  perform. 

Official  target  practice  is  now  held  once  a  year. 
During  this  target  practice  the  range,  speed,  etc., 
are  carefully  marked  out.  Much  preliminary  target 
practice  is  also  held.  This  includes  firing  at  long 
range,  firing  at  night,  etc. 

The  expense  attached  to  target  practice  is  enor- 
mous, as  the  wear  and  tear  of  the  guns  and  the 
ship  in  general  costs  a  great  deal  of  money.  This 
expense  does  not  include,  however,  the  actual  cost 
of  material  used  at  target  practice ;  still,  the  end 
justifies  the  means. 

Preparation  for  target  practice  involves  a  great 
deal  of  labor  and  patience.  A  couple  of  months 
before  the  regular  target  practice,  the  guns  are 
rigged  up  for  subcaliber  practice.  Through  a  sys- 
tem of  swinging  targets,  etc.,  the  guns  are  manipu- 
lated and  the  subcaliber  rifle  fired.  This  particular 
form  of  target  practice  is  known  among  the  crew 
as  **  ping-pong."  Those  who  make  the  best  score 
at  ping-pong  are  chosen  to  shoot  the  big  guns  at 
target  practice.  Those  making  the  best  score  with 
the  big  guns  are  appointed  gun-pointers.  In  some 
instances  the  score  made  by  the  **  ping-pongers" 
has  been  so  good  that  it  was  a  difficult  matter  to 
appoint  the  gun-pointers  from  among  them. 

The  target  for  the  large  guns  is  about  fourteen  by 


46  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

twenty  feet,  and  the  range  is  generally  two  thou- 
sand yards  or  more.  The  target  is  set  up  on  a  raft- 
like arrangement  which  is  securely  moored.  The 
range  is  carefully  marked  off  by  three  flags  directly 
in  line  with  each  other,  the  center  flag  being  in 
front  of  the  target. 

The  ship  speeds  past  the  range  at  twelve  knots, 
and  just  as  the  ship  comes  abreast  of  the  first  flag 
the  whistle  is  blown.  This  is  the  signal  to  com- 
mence firing.  Everything  is  in  readiness  for  the 
guns  to  be  fired,  and  as  the  whistle  toots  there  is  a 
great  noise  and  roar  heard  as  the  shell  speeds 
through  the  air.  The  gun  is  now  fired  continu- 
ously, the  gun-pointers  trying  to  make  as  many 
shots  and  hits  as  possible.  When  the  whistle  toots 
the  firing  must  cease.  This  particular  form  of 
shooting  is  called  *'a  string." 

As  the  ship  comes  abreast  the  third  flag  the 
whistle  toots  again.  This  is  the  signal  to  cease  fir- 
ing. The  ship  always  makes  the  same  speed  on  the 
range,  so  the  time  occupied  in  passing  is  about  the 
same  at  all  times.  The  center  flag  informs  the  offi- 
cers and  crew  when  half  the  distance  has  been  passed. 

The  admiral  appoints  a  board  of  officers  to  take 
charge  of  the  official  target  practice.  They  go 
aboard  each  ship  which  goes  on  the  range  and  keep 
an  accurate  account  of  all  shots,  time,  speed,  etc., 
and  thus  no  partiality  is  shown  to  any  ship. 


Description  of  Drills  47 

President  Theodore  Roosevelt  presented  to  the 
Navy  a  prize  known  as  the  Gunnery  Trophy.  This 
prize  goes  to  the  ship  making  the  best  score  at  tar- 
get practice  each  season.  It  is  a  perpetual  prize. 
Should  the  ship  holding  it  be  beaten  next  target 
season,  it  would  be  transferred  to  the  winner. 
Each  ship  winning  it  has  her  name  inscribed  on  the 
trophy,  a  space  being  provided  for  the  purpose. 
Great  rivalry  exists  among  the  ships  for  the  win- 
ning of  this  much-coveted  prize. 

It  is  a  fascinating  sight  to  see  a  twelve-  or  thir- 
teen-inch  gun  spit  out  a  great  volume  of  fire  and 
hurl  the  shell  through  the  air.  When  the  guns  are 
fired  the  ship  trembles  as  though  she  had  run  into 
a  bank  of  dough  and  forced  herself  through.  The 
shell  seems  to  cut  a  great  hole  through  the  air  as  it 
is  speeding  toward  the  target.  When  the  shell 
strikes  the  target  there  is  an  outburst  of  applause 
from  all  spectators. 

When  one  batch  of  guns  have  ceased  firing  on 
the  range,  everything  is  restowed  and  the  crews 
come  up  on  deck  to  take  in  the  excitement.  It 
seems  that  the  sporting  blood  of  each  man  aboard 
ship  is  concentrated,  for  when  a  bull's-eye  is  made 
a  great  and  mighty  cheer  is  given  simultaneously. 

When  in  line  of  the  target,  shells  from  six-inch 
and  up  can  be  plainly  discerned  with  the  naked  eye 
as  they  speed  on  their  course. 


48  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

When  a  large-caliber  gun  has  been  fired,  there  is 
a  tremendous  roar  as  the  shell  strikes  the  water. 
It  throws  up  a  volume  of  water  exactly  like  a  large 
water-spout.  A  couple  of  miles  distant  another 
splash  can  be  seen  ;  then  one  or  two  more,  and  that 
is  the  wind-up. 

Great  precautions  are  exercised  at  target  practice, 
as  the  magazines  are  open,  ammunition  is  lying 
about,  etc.  Both  officers  and  men  take  great  pride 
in  making  a  good  score  at  target  practice,  as  it  is 
the  result  of  many  months  of  patience  and  toil. 

The  general  motto  of  the  Navy  is  '*Only  the 
shots  that  hit  count."  It  surely  takes  a  great  num- 
ber of  hits  to  win  the  Gunnery  Trophy. 

Collision  Drill.  When  the  alarm  is  given,  all 
hands  rush  to  their  allotted  stations  **  double  time.'* 
Compartments  and  water-tight  doors  are  closed  and 
hand-pumps  rigged,  etc.  On  our  latest  types  of 
warships  all  the  main  water-tight  doors  are  closed 
automatically ;  a  whistle  or  bell  gives  the  warning 
signal  to  stand  clear  of  the  doors.  This  gives  the 
crew  ample  time  to  keep  clear  of  the  doors  as  they 
are  closed. 

Up  on  deck  a  collision  mat  is  kept  stowed  in  a 
handy  place  where  it  can  be  easily  procured.  This 
mat  is  thrown  overboard,  and  through  a  system  of 
ropes  and  chains  it  is  hauled  over  the  imaginary 


Description  of  Drills  49 

hole.  Were  there  a  real  puncture  the  suction  of 
the  water  would  draw  the  mat  over  the  hole  and 
thus  prevent  the  water  from  entering.  The  whole 
ship  is  a  mass  of  bulkheads  of  all  sizes  and  descrip- 
tions, and  should  a  hole  be  made  in  the  ship,  the 
danger  would  be  quickly  confined.  In  addition  to 
these  bulkheads  the  ship  has  a  complete  double 
bottom,  which  extends  along  the  entire  length  of 
the  ship. 

A  collision  mat  is  about  sixteen  feet  square,  and 
looks  like  a  sheepskin.  It  is  made  of  short  rope 
tufts  sewed  closely  together  on  heavy  canvas. 

Other  Drills.  Many  other  drills  take  place  on 
board  ship.  These  include  arm  and  away,  small 
arms,  signal,  battery,  sword,  and  setting-up  exer- 
cises. The  deck  force  is  drilled  regularly  with 
small  arms,  thus  making  them  proficient.  Often 
the  entire  crew  are  landed  in  sections,  and  partici- 
pate in  the  small-arm  target  practice.  Each  mem- 
ber of  the  crew  fires  a  certain  number  of  rounds 
from  a  rifle  and  pistol. 

Signal  drill  is  often  held.  Members  of  the  sea- 
men branch  must  be  well  trained  in  signaling. 

Battery  drill  is  also  often  held,  and  the  guns  are 
trained  and  manipulated  as  though  in  action.  The 
guns  of  a  warship  are  always  ready  for  action.  Upon 
opening  a  couple  of  valves  and  starting  the  ammu- 


50  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

nition  on  its  way,  the  guns  are  then  ready  for  any 
emergency. 

Setting-up  exercises  are  given  to  the  whole  crew 
immediately  after  quarters,  and  it  lasts  for  only 
about  five  minutes. 

The  most  realistic  drill  of  all  is  coaling  ship. 
This  is  classed  as  a  drill  and  reality  combined. 
Coaling  ship  is  the  most  disagreeable  task  in  the 
Navy,  because  while  the  coaling  is  taking  place  the 
whole  ship  is  half  covered  with  coal-dust.  Our  new 
ships  have  many  modern  coaling  devices  which  re- 
duce the  labor,  time,  and  inconvenience  of  coaling. 
The  large  ships  have  a  bunker  capacity  of  from  one 
to  two  thousand  tons. 

Many  ships  can  take  in  over  one  hundred  tons 
of  coal  an  hour  if  the  coaling  conditions  are  favor- 
able. The  different  coal-bunkers  have  large  bunker- 
plates,  which  are  removed,  and  the  coal  is  dumped 
into  them.  Some  of  the  bunkers  have  coaling- 
shutes  which  extend  upward  through  the  upper 
deck.     This  tends  to  greatly  facilitate  matters. 

When  the  coaling  is  completed  all  coaling-gear 
is  restored.  The  ship  is  then  washed  down  and 
scrubbed  thoroughly. 

Most  coaling  is  done  from  colliers  or  lighters 
which  come  alongside  the  ship.  In  many  of  the 
foreign  ports  the  Navy  has  its  own  supply  of  coal, 
which  is  of  the  best  quality.     Should  a  ship  be  or- 


Description  of  Drills  5^ 

dered  home  from  a  far-off  port,  the  bunkers  are 
filled  to  their  utmost  capacity  and  a  deck-load  of 
coal  is  carried.  The  deck  coal  is  placed  in  bags 
and  is  the  first  to  be  used. 

Generally  when  a  warship  is  ordered  to  sea  she 
takes  the  least  traveled  route,  and  should  a  dere- 
lict or  disabled  vessel  be  sighted,  aid  would  be  given 
promptly.  In  time  of  war  the  supplying  of  coal  to 
the  various  warships  is  a  problem.  Many  patent 
devices  have  been  tried  for  coaling  from  a  collier 
at  sea,  but  the  weather  and  other  conditions  must 
be  favorable  to  transfer  any  great  amount  of  coal. 
Should  the  day  arrive  when  warships  will  use  oil 
for  fuel,  there  will  be  joy  in  the  hearts  of  many 
bluejackets. 


CHAPTER   III 

THE    CREW   AND   THEIR    DUTIES — RATE    AND   PAY 
OF     EVERY     ENLISTED     MAN  —  OPPORTUNI- 
TIES— ENLISTMENT — SAILOR'S  DUDS — 
AMUSEMENTS  AND   PASTIMES — 
MAN-O'-WAR   LINGO 

THE   CREW   AND   THEIR   DUTIES 

THE  following  descriptions  will  give  a  good 
idea  of  the  duties  required  of  each  member  of 
the  crew.  Our  armored  cruisers  and  battle- 
ships carry  a  crew  of  from  five  to  eight  hundred  and 
fifty  men,  according  to  the  size  of  the  ship,  and  the 
amount  of  work  performed  daily  to  keep  the  ship 
in  trim  is  enormous. 

The  Navy  regulations  are  such  that  each  mem- 
ber of  the  crew  is  cognizant  of  the  duties  expected 
of  him.  The  term  **crew**  refers  to  the  enlisted 
men,  the  ship's  complement  including  both  men 
and  officers.  The  list  of  rates  given  in  these  lists 
are  sectioned  off  so  as  to  enable  the  reader  to  as- 
certain to  what  department  of  the  ship  the  men  are 
assigned. 


The  Grew  and  Their  Duties  53 

engineer's  department 
Machinisf s  Mates  stand  regular  watches  at  sea 
and  work  about  the  machinery  of  the  ship  when  in 
port.  A  machinist  with  no  previous  sea  service  on 
first  enlisting  is  rated  second-class,  and  later  on, 
when  more  proficient,  is  rated  first-class,  and  thence 
to  chief.  A  chief  machinist's  mate  often  stands 
a  throttle  watch  and  has  other  important  duties 
to  perform. 

Water 'tenders  are  in  charge  of  the  fire-room. 
At  sea  two  or  three  are  usually  on  watch.  These 
see  to  it  that  the  proper  amount  of  steam  is  kept 
up,  that  the  boilers  are  fed  with  water,  and  that 
other  details  are  attended  to.  Water-tenders  are 
promoted  from  firemen.  There  are  two  rates,  first- 
class  and  chief. 

Oilers  stand  a  regular  watch  in  the  engine-room 
both  at  sea  and  in  port.  At  sea  they  oil  the  ma- 
chinery regularly  and  take  care  that  no  bearings  run 
hot.  Nearly  all  of  the  machinery  is  oiled  automat- 
ically by  self-feeders  which  are  worked  by  a  system 
of  small  tubes  leading  from  the  oil-reservoirs  to  the 
different  bearings.  In  port  oilers  stand  a  regular 
auxiliary  watch,  attending  to  the  pumping  and  as- 
sisting in  general.  There  is  but  one  rate  of  oiler, 
and  he  also  is  promoted  from  fireman. 


54  The  American  Battleship  in  G)nimission 

Boiler -makers  perform  all  necessary  work  on  the 
boilers.  After  a  ship  has  arrived  in  port  from  a 
voyage  considerable  work  is  done  on  the  boilers. 
Old  grate-bars,  bridge-walls,  gaskets,  etc.,  are  re- 
placed. Many  of  our  ships  with  high-pressure 
boilers  have  a  working  pressure  of  two  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  of  steam.  There  is  but  one  rate  of 
boiler-maker. 

Blacksmith.  The  engineer's  department  carries 
one  blacksmith,  who  performs  all  the  smithing  work 
for  that  department.  Many  ships  are  equipped 
with  a  modern  blacksmith  shop.  The  forge-blast 
is  operated  by  electrical  power.  The  majority  of 
the  repairs  aboard  ship  are  done  by  the  officers  and 
the  crew.  Should  all  the  repair  work  be  done  by 
private  shipyards,  the  naval  appropriation  would  no 
doubt  have  to  be  doubled. 

Coppersmith,  The  coppersmith,  blacksmith,  and 
boiler-maker  are  enlisted  first-class  direct,  as  there 
is  but  one  rate  of  each  of  these.  The  ship  is  one 
mass  of  copper  pipes.  All  suction  and  supply 
pipes  from  the  pumps,  condensers,  and  other  ma- 
chinery are  made  of  copper.  This  is  because  it  is 
more  suited  to  the  purposes  to  which  it  is  put  on  a 
ship,  and  also  because  it  is  more  durable.  Many  of 
the  pipes  have  salt  water  circulating  through  them, 


The  Grew  and  Their  Duties  55 

and  were  they  not  made  of  copper  they  would  soon 
deteriorate. 

Firemen  keep  up  steam  in  the  boilers.  At  sea 
they,  with  the  rest  of  the  engineer's  department, 
are  divided  into  steaming  watches.  As  a  rule  the 
men  are  divided  into  four  watches,  which  give  them 
more  time  off  duty. 

There  are  two  rates  of  firemen,  first-class  and 
second-class.  Firemen  with  experience  are  enlisted 
direct,  but  the  majority  are  rated  up  from  coal- 
passers. 

Coal-passers  trolley  the  coal  from  the  bunkers  to 
the  fires,  each  one  supplying  a  certain  number  of 
fires  with  coal.  All  bunkers  are  equipped  with  a 
complete  trolley  system,  the  coal  being  shoveled 
into  iron  buckets,  which  are  trolleyed  on  to  the 
firemen.  At  the  end  of  each  watch  fires  are  cleaned, 
ashes  hoisted  and  dumped,  and  everything  in  the 
fire-room  is  turned  over  to  the  relief  watch  in  good 
shape. 

carpenter's  gang 

Carpenter's  Mates  repair  all  the  woodwork  of  the 
ship.  There  are  four  rates:  chief,  first-class,  sec- 
ond-class, and  third-class. 

Each  ship  is  allowed  a  certain  number  of  men 


56  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

of  each  rate,  and,  with  so  many  of  the  crew  com- 
ing and  going,  there  are  many  vacancies,  which 
are  generally  filled  by  promoting  members  of  the 
crew. 

Shipfitters  have  a  complete  knowledge  of  the 
ship.  They  perform  all  riveting  and  other  iron 
work  on  the  ship  outside  of  the  engineer's  depart- 
ment. Upon  first  enlisting  they  are  rated  second- 
class,  and  later  on  they  are  rated  first-class. 

Shipwrights  perform  duties  similar  to  those  of 
the  carpenter's  mates.  When  vacancies  occur  they 
are  promoted  to  the  higher  rates.  Many  of  the 
rates  in  the  Navy  are  divided  into  three  or  four 
grades,  thus  creating  many  opportunities  for  ad- 
vancement. 

Painters  also  are  employed  on  the  ship.  In  the 
paint  locker  all  necessary  paints  are  stowed  and 
mixed  ready  for  use. 

Uncle  Sam  takes  great  pride  in  having  his  ships 
kept  scrupulously  clean,  both  within  and  without. 
The  painters  mix  and  serve  out  all  necessary  paints, 
besides  performing  all  skilled  labor,  such  as  retouch- 
ing the  figurehead,  lettering,  etc. 

There  are  three  rates  of  painters :  first-class,  sec- 
ond-class, and  third-class. 


The  Crew  and  Their  Duties  57 

Plumber.  There  is  enough  piping  aboard  a  mod- 
ern battleship  to  install  a  water-works  in  a  good 
sized  city.  The  flanges  and  other  joints  of  the  vari- 
ous pipe-lines  are  painted  in  different  colors,  so  as 
to  enable  one  to  quickly  ascertain  the  different 
lines.  The  plumber  performs  all  duties  pertaining 
to  his  profession.     There  is  but  one  rate  of  plumber. 

DECK   FORCE 

Masters-at'ArmsdSQ.  to  the  ship  what  a  police  force 
is  to  a  city.  There  are  four  rates :  chief,  first-class, 
second-class,  and  third-class.  Masters-at-arms  are 
responsible  for  mast-call,  prisoners,  and  all  parts  of 
the  enclosed  decks  where  the  crew  eat.  The  mas- 
ter-at-arms is  always  on  duty.  After  taps  has 
sounded  he  makes  the  rounds  of  the  ship  and  re- 
ports everything  secure. 

Boatswain  s  Mates  do  duty  about  the  upper  decks 
of  the  ship,  each  division  having  one  or  more. 
They  carry  long  silver  whistles,  or  pipes,  which  are 
blown  according  to  a  certain  code  of  signals. 

The  deck  hands  are  divided  into  divisions,  which 
are  assigned  to  certain  sections  of  the  ship.  They 
are  held  responsible  for  their  respective  divisions. 
In  this  way  each  division  supervises  a  certain  part 
of  the  ship.  There  are  three  rates  of  boatswain's 
mates :  chief,  first-class,  and  second-class. 


58  The  American  Batdeship  in  G^mmission 

Coxswains  are  detailed  to  take  charge  of  the 
ship's  boats,  each  boat  having  one.  They,  with 
the  rest  of  the  boats*  crews,  keep  their  respective 
boats  neat  and  clean.  The  boats  are  used  fre- 
quently when  in  port  for  drilling  purposes,  etc. 

Coxswains  are  promoted  from  seamen,  and  the 
next  advancement  is  to  that  of  boatswain's  mate. 
All  the  higher  rates  in  the  seamen  branch  are  filled 
by  promoting  members  of  the  crew  holding  lower 
ratings. 

Quartermasters  stand  a  regular  watch  on  the 
bridge,  both  while  at  sea  and  when  in  port.  At 
sea  they  keep  a  keen  lookout,  sending  and  receiv- 
ing all  signals  promptly.  In  port  they  keep  a  sharp 
lookout  and  report  all  passing  vessels,  signals,  etc. 
Their  ability  is  displayed  in  sending  and  receiving 
signals. 

All  signal  flags  are  placed  in  lockers  on  the  bridge, 
and  are  ready  for  instant  use.  There  are  four  rates 
of  quartermasters :  chief,  first-class,  second-class, 
and  third-class.  They  are  promoted  from  sea- 
men. 

Seamen:  Ordinary  Seamen  and  Apprentice  Seamen 
are  of  three  distinct  rates.  Upon  first  enlisting  in 
the  seamen  branch  a  recruit  who  has  no  profession 
is  rated  apprentice  seaman.     After  going  through 


The  Q*ew  and  Their  Duties  59 

several  courses  of  training  he  is  gradually  promoted 
to  the  higher  ranks. 

Previous  to  1905  apprentice  seamen  were  known 
and  enlisted  as  landsmen.  At  the  same  time  their 
title  was  changed  and  the  enlisting  of  apprentice 
boys  was  abolished. 

Sail-maker  s  Mate  has  charge  of  all  the  canvas 
work  of  the  ship.  This  includes  bags,  hammocks, 
awnings,  steam-launch  covers,  etc.  Twice  a  month 
clean  bags  and  hammocks  are  served  out  to  the 
crew,  and  the  dirty  ones  are  scrubbed  and  turned 
in  to  the  sail-maker's  mate.  There  is  but  one  rate 
of  sail-maker's  mate. 

ORDNANCE  DEPARTMENT 
Gunner  s  Mates  are  in  charge  of  the  different  bat- 
teries, magazines,  and  other  ordnance  appliances  to 
which  they  may  be  assigned.  Members  of  the  crew 
are  detailed  to  the  different  guns  just  as  the  regular 
gun  crews. 

The  guns  and  all  the  accessories  are  kept  in  per- 
fect order.  The  interior  of  the  guns,  including  all 
the  breech  mechanism,  is  kept  perfectly  bright. 
The  gun's  crew  keep  them  in  order.  There  are 
four  rates  of  gunner's  mate :  chief,  first-class,  sec- 
ond-class, and  third-class. 

Turret  Captains  are  detailed  for  duty  in  the  tur- 


6o  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

rets  only.  They  have  a  thorough  technical  knowl- 
edge of  the  guns  and  are  in  charge  of  the  turret. 
A  turret  captain  is  next  in  command  to  the  turret 
officer.  Should  anything  happen  to  the  turret 
officer,  the  turret  captain  takes  charge.  They  also 
act  as  drill  instructors  and  drill  the  gun's  crew 
when  necessary. 

There  are  two  rates  of  turret  captain,  chief  and 
first-class. 

PAY   DEPARTMENT 

A  Commissary  Steward  caters  to  the  crew's  mess. 
The  crew  have  a  general  mess.  The  food  is 
brought  from  the  galley  to  the  mess  tables  by  the 
messmen.  The  commissary  steward  goes  ashore 
daily  when  convenient  and  purchases  the  necessary 
provisions  and  supplies. 

The  proper  amount  of  rations  are  served  out  to 
the  cooks.  Each  member  of  the  crew  is  allowed  a 
certain  amount  of  fresh  bread,  meat,  etc.,  each 
day.  The  Navy  ration  is  nine  dollars  per  month, 
and  all  of  this  is  spent  for  food  only.  All  labor, 
cooking  utensils,  etc.,  are  furnished  gratis. 

Ship's  Cooks  do  the  cooking  for  the  crew  only. 
The  ship  is  equipped  with  a  large  modern  galley. 
In  the  galley  is  a  long  row  of  continuous  ranges 
and  several  large  coppers  which  are  used  for  boil- 


The  Crew  and  Their  Duties  6i 

ing   and    cooking   purposes.     All    cooking  in    the 
coppers  is  done  by  steam. 

A  regular  bill  of  fare  is  given  the  cooks  by  the 
commissary  steward.  Each  mess  lives  on  the  same 
fare,  and  no  one  is  allowed  to  contribute  any  mess 
money.  In  this  way  all  of  the  crew  fare  alike. 
Should  the  meal  be  a  poor  one,  improperly  cooked, 
etc. ,  members  of  the  crew  take  a  sample  of  it  to 
the  officer  of  the  deck,  where  the  complaint  is  at- 
tended to. 

Bakers  are  also  carried  aboard  the  ship,  and  their 
services  are  very  much  in  demand.  In  order  to 
realize  this,  one  needs  bat  to  consider  the  amount 
of  fresh  bread  consumed  in  a  single  day  by  six 
hundred  or  more  men. 

The  baker  has  a  modern  bake-oven  and  bake- 
shop  for  making  bread  and  pastries.  When  in 
port  the  fresh  bread  is  generally  purchased  ashore. 
There  are  two  rates  of  bakers,  first-class  and  sec- 
ond-class. 

MEDICAL   DEPARTMENT 

Hospital  Stewards  have  charge  of  the  sick-bay, 
or  ship's  hospital.  They  carry  out  the  doctor's 
orders  appertaining  to  the  treatment  of  the  patients 
and  other  routine.  Hospital  stewards  are  well 
versed  in  pharmacy.  There  is  only  one  rate  of 
hospital  steward. 


62  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Hospital  Apprentices  attend  to  all  minor  details 
of  the  sick-bay,  serve  out  medicine,  take  tempera- 
tures, and  assist  in  general.  Members  of  the  med- 
ical department  are  sent  ashore  with  the  battalion 
with  the  necessary  medical  appliances.  There  are 
two  rates  of  hospital  apprentices,  first-class  and 
hospital  apprentice. 

CLERICAL   FORCE 

Yeomen  are  assigned  to  the  different  departments 
of  the  ship.  Each  department  has  one  or  more ; 
this,  however,  does  not  include  the  medical  depart- 
ment. All  clerical  duties  of  this  department  are 
performed  by  the  hospital  steward.  Pay,  equip- 
ment, engineer's  department,  admiral,  captain,  ex- 
ecutive, and  navigator  each  have  one  yeoman  or 
more  to  perform  all  the  necessary  clerical  work. 

There  are  a  great  many  log-books,  accounts, 
records,  etc.,  kept  aboard  ship. 

There  are  four  rates  of  yeonien :  chief,  first-class, 
second-class,  and  third-class.  Members  of  the  crew 
are  often  rated  yeomen  when  found  qualified. 

Printers  are  carried  mostly  aboard  flag-ships. 
They  have  a  complete  printing-press  with  which 
all  necessary  matter  is  printed.  Band  programs, 
fleet  orders,  etc.,  from  the  admiral  are  printed. 
Many  of  the  big  ships  print  a  weekly  or  monthly 


IK!? 

^^^^•i^>^ 

^ 

^yi 

Phh 

|pr-                     -^ 

tm 

jHH 

Htt^^_      i^^^H^HH 

It'  -^^h.^^ 

BH 

■1 

ps 

^M^H 

^^^^S^^ 

K               ^nm^iH^^i 

B^^kI 

■ 

The  Q*cw  and  Their  Duties  63 

paper  aboard  ship.  This  is  devoted  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  crew.  There  is  but  one  rate  of 
printer. 

OTHER   RATES 

Electricians  stand  regular  watches,  because  the 
dynamos  are  operated  both  day  and  night.  On 
our  latest  ships  blowers,  cranes,  gun  turrets,  etc., 
are  operated  by  electric  power.  The  dynamo-room 
is  located  in  a  separate  compartment  below  the  ar- 
mored deck.  The  ship  contains  a  mass  of  electri- 
cal appliances,  all  of  which  are  kept  in  perfect  con- 
dition. Members  of  the  gang  are  assigned  to  repair 
work,  while  others  stand  regular  watches. 

There  are  four  rates  of  electricians :  chief,  first- 
class,  second-class,  and  third-class. 

Buglers  stand  a  regular  watch,  and  blow  all  calls 
which  are  ordered  by  the  officer  on  watch.  Each 
drill  is  quickly  recognized  by  the  notes  of  the 
bugle.  At  sea  the  bugler's  duties  are  very  light, 
as  but  few  calls  are  blown.  There  is  but  one  rate 
of  bugler. 

Bandmaster  is  in  charge  of  the  ship's  band.  The 
ship  carries  a  band  of  sixteen  pieces.  It  plays  part 
of  the  time  for  the  crew  and  at  other  times  for  the 
officers.  The  bandmaster  ranks  as  a  chief  petty 
officer,  and  is  leader  of  the  band. 


64  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Bandsman.  Many  of  the  ships  have  a  crack  band, 
and  particularly  when  the  ship  is  at  sea  it  is  quite 
a  treat  to  go  up  on  deck  and  listen  to  the  band  con- 
cert. Members  of  the  band  are  proficient  with 
stringed  instruments.  There  are  two  rates  of  bands- 
men, first-class  and  second-class. 

Marines^  consisting  of  about  sixty-five  men,  are 
carried  aboard.  They  have  their  regular  quota  of 
sergeants  and  corporals.  Marines  stand  sentry 
watches  about  the  ship  and  are  also  assigned  to 
several  of  the  ship's  intermediate  guns.  The  Marine 
Corps  is  a  distinct  branch  of  the  service,  but  is  part 
of  the  Navy. 

Cooks y  Stewards y  and  Mess  Attendants  are  of  three 
separate  rates.  The  admiral,  captain,  ward-room, 
junior  officers*,  and  warrant  officers'  mess  have  their 
regular  allowance  of  cooks,  stewards,  and  mess  at- 
tendants. The  officers'  standard  of  living  is  regu- 
lated by  the  mess  money  subscribed. 

EXTRA   RATES 

There  are  many  extra  rates  in  the  Navy  which 
entitle  the  holder  thereof  to  extra  pay  in  addition 
to  his  regular  monthly  pay. 

Gun-pointers  receive  ten,  eight,  six,  four,  and 
two  dollars  a  month  extra.  This  is  regulated  ac- 
cording to  the  class  of  the  gun-pointer.     No  doubt 


The  Crew  and  Their  Duties  65 

the  wonderful  shooting  records  made  by  the  ships 
of  the  Navy  have  been  brought  about  by  this  rate. 

Captains  of  the  Hold  are  appointed  from  seamen 
and  receive  five  dollars  a  month  extra.  They  have 
charge  of  the  ship's  main  hold,  where  anchor-gear, 
hawsers,  and  other  nautical  gear  are  stored.  Should 
the  boatswain  send  down  for  a  certain  article,  the 
captain  of  the  hold  would  be  supposed  to  fill  the 
order.  The  captain  of  the  hold  also  keeps  account 
of  the  water  used  outside  of  the  engineer's  depart- 
ment. 

Lamplighters  are  appointed  from  apprentice  sea- 
men. A  supply  of  spare  lanterns,  side  lights,  etc., 
is  carried.  This  is  to  provide  for  an  emergency 
should  the  electric  lights  fail,  etc.  Lamplighters 
also  attend  to  the  portable  lamps  on  deck.  Their 
extra  pay  is  five  dollars  a  month. 

Signal-men  first-class  receive  three  dollars  extra. 
Second-class  signal-men  receive  two  dollars  extra. 
They  are  expert  in  sending  and  receiving  signals 
quickly  and  accurately.  They  work  on  the  bridge 
together  with  the  quartermasters.  They  are  ap- 
pointed from  ordinary  and  apprentice  seamen. 

Ship's  Tailor  and  Tailor  s  Helper  are  also  ap- 
pointed from  the  crew.     All  clothing  issued  by  the 


66  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

paymaster  is  altered  and  made  up  free  of  charge. 
In  this  way  Jack's  clothes  are  sure  to  fit.  There 
are  few  men  aboard  ship  who  do  tailoring  work  for 
themselves.  The  ship's  tailor  receives  twenty  dol- 
lars additional  per  month.  The  helper  receives 
ten  dollars  extra  per  month. 

Jacks-of'the-Dust  are  detailed  from  apprentice  sea- 
men. They  are  attached  to  the  pay  department 
and  assist  in  issuing  small  stores,  rations,  etc.  <(rheir 
extra  pay  is  five  dollars  a  month. 

Men  detailed  for  submarine  boat  duty  receive  five 
dollars  a  month  extra ;  also  one  dollar  a  day  addi- 
tional thereto  when  submerged. 

RATE  AND  PAY  OF  EVERY  ENLISTED  MAN 

The  following  tables  give  the  rate  and  pay  of 
every  enlisted  man  in  the  Navy. 

Previous  to  July  i,  1903,  all  chief  petty  officers 
received  from  $50.00  to  $70.00  a  month.  This 
was  regulated  according  to  the  rate  of  the  chief 
petty  officer.  When  an  enlisted  man  gets  pro- 
moted to  a  higher  rate  he  is  given  an  acting  ap- 
pointment. After  the  acting  appointment  has  been 
in  force  one  year,  the  owner  is  then  recommended 
for  a  permanent  appointment. 

When  a  chief  petty  officer  receives  his  permanent 


Rate  and  Pay  of  Every  Enlisted  Man  67 

appointment  he  is  then  entitled  to  the  $70.00  a 
month.  With  all  the  other  rates  the  pay  is  the 
same  regardless  of  appointments. 

Under  certain  conditions  petty  officers  can  be 
promoted  to  a  higher  rate  without  a  permanent 
appointment.  This  is  done  with  the  approval  of 
the  Commanding  Officer  and  the  Navy  Department. 
All  these  pay  tables  signify  initial  pay,  for  the 
longer  one  remains  in  the  service  the  greater  is  his 
pay. 

CHIEF   PETTY   OFFICERS 

Acting  Permanent 

Rate  Appointment  Appointment 

Pay  per  month         Pay  per  month 

Chief  Master-at-Arms $65.00  $70.00 

Chief  Carpenter's  Mate 50.00  70.00 

Chief  Boatswain's  Mate 50.00  70.00 

Chief  Yeoman 60.00  70.00 

Chief  Gunner's  Mate 50.00  70.00 

Commissary  Steward 60.00  70.00 

Chief  Commissary  Steward  . . .   70.00  70.00 

Chief  Quartermaster 50.00  70.00 

Bandmaster 52.00  70.00 

Chief  Machinist's  Mate 70.00  70.00 

*  Hospital  Steward 60.00  60.00 

Chief  Water-tender 50.00  70.00 

Chief  Electrician 60.00  70.00 

Chief  Turret  Captain  ........   60.00  70.00 

*  Hospital  Steward's  pay  is  regulated  by  Congress. 


68  The  American  Battleship  in  Gjmmission 

FIRST-CLASS   PETTY   OFFICERS 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Machinist's  Mate,  first-class $55-oo 

Yeoman,  first-class 40.00 

Electrician,  first-class 50.00 

Master-at-Arms,  first-class 40.00 

Boatswain's  Mate,  first-class 40.00 

Gunner's  Mate,  first-class 40.00 

Quartermaster,  first-class 40.00 

Carpenter's  Mate,  first-class * 40.00 

Coppersmith 55- 00 

Ship-fitter,  first-class 55-oo 

Painter,  first-class 40.00 

Turret  Captain,  first-class 50.00 

Water-tender,  first-class 40.00 

Boiler-maker 65.00 

Blacksmith 50.00 

Plumber  and  Fitter 45- 00 

Sail-maker's  Mate 40.00 

First  Musician 36. 00 

SECOND-CLASS   PETTY    OFFICERS 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Master-at-Arms,  second-class $35- 00 

Machinist's  Mate,  second-class 40.00 

Electrician,  second-class 40.00 

Boatswain's  Mate,  second-class 35- o® 

Gunner's  Mate,  second-class 35- 00 

Yeoman,  second-class 35»oo 

Carpenter's  Mate,  second-class 35-oo 

Quartermaster,  second-class 35- 00 


Rate  and  Pay  of  Every  Enlisted  Man  69 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Ship-fitter,  second-class $40.00 

Painter,  second-class 35* 00 

Oiler 37.00 

Printer 35- 00 

THIRD-CLASS    PETTY    OFFICERS 

Rate  Pay  per  mon 

Carpenter's  Mate,  third-class $30.00 

Master-at-Arms,  third-class 30.00 

Electrician,  third-class 30.00 

Gunner's  Mate,  third-class 30.00 

Painter,  third-class 30.00 

Yeoman,  third-class 30.00 

Quartermaster,  third-class 30.00 

Coxswain 30.00 

Hospital  Apprentice,  first-class 30.00 

OTHER   RATES 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Seaman $14. 00 

Ordinary  Seaman 19.00 

Apprentice  Seaman 16.00 

Bugler 30. 00 

Fireman,  first-class 35-oo 

Fireman,  second-class 30.00 

Coal-passer 22.00 

Shipwright 25.00 

Ship's  Cook,  first-class 55-oo 

Ship's  Cook,  second-class 40. 00 


JO  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Ship's  Cook,  third-class  $30.00 

Ship's  Cook,  fourth-class 25.00 

Musician,  first-class 32. 00 

Musician,  second-class 30.00 

Baker,  first-class 45.00 

Baker,  second-class 35- 00 

Hospital  Apprentice 20.00 

Admiral's  Cook 50. 00 

Admiral's  Steward 60.00 

Cabin  Steward 50. 00 

Cabin  Cook 45.00 

Ward-room  Steward 50.00 

Ward-room  Cook 45.00 

Warrant  Officers'  Steward 35 -oo 

Warrant  Officers'  Cook 30.00 

Mess  Attendant,  first-class  24.00 

Mess  Attendant,  second-class 20.00 

Mess  Attendant,  third-class 16.00 

EXTRA   RATES* 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Captain  of  the  Hold  $  5.00 

Jack-of-the-Dust 5.00 

Lamplighter 5.00 

♦There  are  many  extra  rates  aboard  ship  that  are  given  to 
the  men  holding  the  lower  rates.  The  extra  pay  is  given  in 
addition  to  that  of  their  regular  rates.  This  extra  pay  demon- 
strates how  liberal  Uncle  Sam  is  to  the  enlisted  men.  The 
men  would  have  to  perform  these  extra  duties  without  any  ex- 
tra pay  should  the  Navy  Department  see  fit. 


Rate  and  Pay  of  Every  Enlisted  Man   71 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Coxswain  of  Steam  Launch   $5-oo 

Messmen 5.00 

Signal-man,  first-class 3.00 

Signal-man,  second-class 2.00 

Signal-man,  third-class i.oo 

Ship's  Tailor  (large  ships) 20.00 

Men  on  submarine  boat  duty 5.00 

Tailor's  Helper  (large  ships) 10.00 

Heavy  Gun-pointers,  first-class 10.00 

Heavy  Gun-pointers,  second-class 6.00 

Intermediate  Gun-pointers,  first-class 8.00 

Intermediate  Gun-pointers,  second-class.. .  .  4.00 

Secondary  Gun-pointers,  first-class 4.00 

Secondary  Gun-pointers,  second-class 2.00 

THE   MARINE   CORPS* 

Rate  Pay  per  month 

Sergeant  Major $34.00  to  $42.00 

Quartermaster  Sergeant 34.00  to  42.00 

Drum  Major 25.00  to  33.00 

Gunnery  Sergeant 35.00  to  43.00 

First  Sergeant 25.00  to  33.00 

Sergeant 18. 00  to  26.00 

Corporal 15.00  to  23.00 

Private 13.00  to  21.00 

*  Marines  receive  clothing  allowance,  and  their  pay  increases 
according  to  length  of  service.  A  regular  pay  schedule  is  ar- 
ranged for  this  purpose. 


72  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

OPPORTUNITIES 

It  IS  very  evident  that  there  are  many  openings 
in  the  Navy  for  the  enlisted  man.  The  pay  tables 
demonstrate  the  fact  that  there  are  over  one  hun- 
dred different  positions  aboard  ship.  To  compare 
the  pay  of  the  various  rates  with  those  of  vocations 
ashore  would  reveal  the  fact  that  those  in  the  Navy 
receive  far  better  pay.  Take,  for  instance,  a  coal- 
passer  or  an  apprentice  seaman.  These  are  the  low- 
est paid  men  aboard  ship,  from  the  fact  that  when 
they  enlist  they  are  without  trade  or  profession. 
These  men  need  not  hold  these  low  ratings  through- 
out their  enlistment.  Should  they  have  the  least 
ambition  they  would  soon  be  given  a  higher  rate 
and  more  pay.  Should  a  person  in  civil  life  hire 
out  as  a  laborer  he  can  advance  no  higher.  In  the 
Navy  it  is  quite  different.  The  Navy  enlists  these 
raw  recruits  with  the  expectation  of  training  them 
for  the  higher  and  better  paid  positions  in  the 
service. 

Gunner's  mates,  quartermasters,  masters-at-arms, 
boatswain's  mates,  and  many  others  are  gradually 
rated  up  from  apprentice  seamen.  Firemen,  oilers, 
and  water-tenders  are  also  rated  up  from  coal- 
passers. 

The  chief  petty  officers  of  the  ship  receive  seventy 
dollars  a  month.  This  pay  is  regular,  and  increases 
as  long  as  the  person  remains  in  the  service.     Me- 


Enlistment  73 

chanics  in  the  Navy  make  far  better  money  than 
those  in  civil  life.  At  least  the  author  has  found 
this  to  be  the  case,  and  he  speaks  from  personal 
experience.  There  are  no  dues  to  pay,  strikes,  lay- 
offs, pay  stopped  if  sick,  looking  for  work,  or  any 
of  the  other  hardships  that  are  often  encountered 
in  civil  life. 

Any  man  can  work  himself  up  to  the  highest 
rates,  provided  he  has  the  least  ambition.  Pay 
continues  while  sick ;  medicine  and  medical  attend- 
ance are  furnished  gratis. 

ENLISTMENT 

The  term  of  enlistment  is  four  years.  Some- 
times, when  on  a  foreign  station,  members  of  the 
crew  are  kept  overtime  for  a  month  or  two.  When 
a  bluejacket  is  kept  overtime  he  is  given  twenty- 
five  per  cent,  additional  pay  for  each  day  held  over- 
time. In  most  cases,  however,  ** short-timers" 
are  sent  home  before  their  enlistment  expires. 
Recruiting  officers  are  located  in  many  of  the 
large  cities,  where  recruits  are  examined  and  en- 
listed. 

In  several  of  the  inland  States  recruiting  parties 
are  sent  out  by  the  Navy  Department  to  visit  the 
smaller  towns  and  cities.  As  soon  as  the  draft  of 
recruits  are  enlisted,  they  are  sent  to  the  many  re- 


74  The  American  Battleship  in  Qjmmission 

ceiving-ships  and  training-stations  which  are  located 
at  the  different  navy-yards. 

A  receiving-ship  is  known  as  the  **guardo/*  and 
is  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a  sailors'  boarding- 
house.  All  unassigned  bluejackets  are  kept  on 
the  **guardo"  until  sent  to  their  respective  ships. 
A  '*guardo"  represents  a  busy  scene,  as  the  men 
are  coming  and  going  at  all  times.  Short-timers 
who  are  about  to  be  paid  off  are  generally  sent  to 
the  **  guardo." 

When  a  recruit  arrives  at  the  guardo  or  training- 
station,  he  is  equipped  with  a  complete  outfit  of 
Navy  duds.  He  then  takes  these  to  the  master-at- 
arms,  who  marks  them  with  the  owner's  name. 
The  new  **salt"  now  shifts  his  civilian  clothes  for 
those  of  the  Navy,  and  soon  wears  them  just  like 
one  of  the  boys.  As  this  is  his  first  experience  in 
naval  life  perhaps  he  feels  rather  strange.  This 
feeling,  however,  soon  departs,  and  the  recruit  soon 
gets  used  to  the  sea  like  the  rest  of  the  crew. 

Most  of  the  recruits  take  to  the  sea  like  a  duck 
to  water.  There  is  seldom  a  case  of  chronic  sea- 
sickness aboard  the  ship.  When  one  stows  away 
a  couple  of  pounds  of  '^  salt  horse  "  and  plum-duff 
in  his  interior,  it  is  a  safe  bet  that  it  will  not  be 
wasted. 

Members  of  the  crew,  upon  being  recommended 
by  their  superior  officers,  are  sent  to  the  different 


>       1  i  } 


Enlistment  75 

naval  schools  so  as  to  become  more  proficient  in 
naval  duties. 

Upon  graduation  a  certificate  is  given.  While 
at  the  school  members  draw  their  regular  pay  and 
rations.  Good-conduct  medals  are  also  given  to 
members  of  the  crew  upon  the  recommendation  of 
the  commanding  of^cer.  The  holder  of  each  medal, 
or  bar  thereof,  receives  seventy-five  cents  a  month 
additional  pay. 

Upon  enlisting,  the  Shipping  Articles  are  read 
out,  while  the  recruit  swears  to  obey  all  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  naval  service.  The  enlistment 
record  is  made  out  in  duplicate,  one  of  which  is 
forwarded  to  Washington;  the  other  follows  the 
owner  wherever  he  goes  for  duty.  The  records  are 
under  the  personal  supervision  of  the  executive 
officer.  All  offences  committed,  recommendations, 
etc.,  are  carefully  entered  on  the  records. 

To  Washington  is  sent  a  quarterly  report  on  so- 
briety, obedience,  ordinance,  and  proficiency  in 
rating.  All  recommendations,  remarks,  etc.,  are 
kept  on  file  at  Washington,  and  in  this  way  every 
detail  of  an  enlisted  man's  service  is  recorded. 

When  paid  off  the  discharge  is  made  out  accord- 
ing to  the  enlistment  record.  Should  the  enlist- 
ment record  be  of  a  high  average,  the  discharge 
would  be  marked  accordingly. 

When  members  of  the  crew  are  about  to  be  se- 


76  The  American  Battleship  in  Q)mmission 

lected  for  promotion,  a  good  record  is  the  most 
important  factor.  Upon  the  expiration  of  service 
meals  and  free  transportation  to  the  original  place 
of  enlistment  are  given. 

When  an  honorable  discharge  is  received  and  the 
person  in  question  enlists  within  four  months  from 
date  of  discharge,  he  is  given  four  months'  pay 
gratis  and  one  dollar  and  thirty-six  cents  a  month 
additional  increase  of  pay.  Should  a  man  re-enlist 
the  same  day  his  time  expired,  the  bonus  money 
would  be  given  just  the  same. 

The  extra  pay  is  quite  an  inducement  for  re- 
enlistments,  as  in  a  short  time  many  weary  of  shore 
life  and  ship  over  again  in  the  Navy.  When  in 
the  Navy  they  are  sure  of  the  meal  pennant  being 
hoisted  three  times  a  day  without  fail.  In  civil 
life  the  pennant  is  sometimes  hoisted  irregularly. 
Anyone  displaying  an  extraordinary  act  of  bravery, 
such  as  saving  life,  etc.,  is  presented  with  a  medal 
by  the  Navy  Department,  and  a  note  of  this  fact  is 
made  on  the  owner's  enlistment  record.  One  of 
these  medals  makes  promotion  easier. 


Sailor's  Duds  77 

SAILOR'S   DUDS 

The  **  togs  "  of  old  Jack  are  in  a  class  by  them- 
selves. The  quality  of  the  materials  used  in  mak' 
ing  his  clothes  is  unsurpassed. 

The  Navy  manufactures  a  great  deal  of  its  own 
clothing,  but  some  of  it  is  let  out  by  contract  to 
outsiders.  All  goods  are  made  of  a  special  quality. 
As  similar  goods  cannot  be  purchased  on  the  out- 
side, the  Navy  man  has  a  suit  which  cannot  be 
duplicated. 

On  first  enlisting,  a  recruit  is  furnished  with  a 
complete  outfit  of  clothing  valued  at  forty-five  dol- 
lars. The  outfit  consists  of  shoes,  white  and  blue 
hats,  white  dress,  blue  dress,  and  working  uniforms. 
Several  suits  of  light  and  heavy  underwear,  leg- 
gings, soap,  scrubbing-brush,  shoe-shining  gear, 
mess  gear,  neckerchief,  and  knife  lanyard  are  also 
included.  A  hammock  furnished  complete  is  also 
given.  In  the  hammock  are  a  comfortable  mattress 
and  two  blankets.  Sleeping  in  a  hammock  is 
very  comfortable.  In  warm  weather  the  clews 
are  so  regulated  that  the  hammock  swings  flat. 
In  cold  weather,  if  the  center  clews  are  slackened 
out  the  hammock  will  fit  snugly  to  the  occupant's 
body. 

Every  sailor  has  a  ditty-box,  which  is  a  small 
box  made  of  hard  wood.     The  lid  is  very  deep  and 


78  The  American  Batdeship  in  Gjmmission 

contains  letters,  writing-paper,  etc.  The  tray  con- 
tains toilet  gear  and  other  trinkets,  and  the  bottom 
contains  towel,  shoe-brush,  and  nicknacks  which 
only  a  sailor  can  accumulate.  Any  bluejacket  can 
pack  up  and  be  ready  for  transfer  within  ten  min- 
utes if  necessary. 

The  Navy  furnishes  the  first  outfit  of  clothes ; 
all  clothing  drawn  thereafter  is  charged  at  cost 
price  to  the  person  to  whom  issued. 

AMUSEMENTS   AND    PASTIMES 

Many  people  who  are  unfamiliar  with  **  man-o*- 
war "  life  have  the  opinion  that  life  aboard  a  war- 
ship is  very  monotonous.  Navy  men  who  remain 
in  the  service  do  so  from  the  fact  that  the  service 
offers  to  them  the  best  pay  and  general  induce- 
ments. The  amusements  and  pastimes  aboard  ship 
are  of  such  a  varied  character  that  it  is  a  difficult 
matter  to  enumerate  all  of  them. 

By  making  Navy  life  congenial  to  the  enlisted 
men  the  service  retains  many  of  them.  All  flag- 
ships, battleships,  and  armored  cruisers  carry  a 
band.  Evening  concerts  are  given  for  the  crew, 
and  they  go  up  on  deck  to  listen  to  the  music. 
Sometimes  the  sailors  dance  with  each  other. 
Athletic  sports  are  greatly  encouraged  by  the  Navy 
Department. 

Each  year  a  ship  is  allowed  a  certain  amount  of 


Amusements  and  Pastimes  79 

money  with  which  to  purchase  sporting  goods. 
Each  ship  has  its  own  baseball  and  football  teams. 

As  nearly  all  of  our  ships  travel  around  in  fleets, 
a  great  deal  of  time  is  devoted  to  sporting  events. 
A  trophy  is  generally  given  to  the  winner  when  each 
ship  plays  a  series  of  games. 

Boat-racing  is  one  of  the  most  exciting  sports  in 
the  service.  When  one  ship  wishes  to  challenge 
another  for  a  boat  race,  the  boat  to  be  used  is  low- 
ered ;  this  crosses  at  full  speed  past  the  other  ship's 
bow.  Just  as  it  crosses  the  bow  the  coxswain  cries 
**toss  oars."  This  is  a  direct  challenge,  and  should 
the  crew  of  the  ship  challenged  wish  to  race,  they 
would  invite  the  racing  boat's  crew  aboard  and 
make  arrangements  for  the  same. 

Boxing  contests  are  also  very  popular,  and  there 
are  a  great  many  expert  boxers  in  the  service. 
When  it  comes  to  financial  backing  for  the  boat  race 
or  any  other  sporting  event,  the  crew  of  the  ships 
are  always  there  with  the  money. 

Plenty  of  shore-leave  is  given,  and  the  crew  go 
ashore  in  watches  or  sections.  At  meal-time  the 
bumboat  comes  aboard  the  ship  to  peddle  fruit, 
pastries,  etc. 

All  forms  of  card  games,  checkers,  etc.,  are  played, 
but  no  gambling  is  allowed.  If  a  member  of  the 
crew  is  caught  gambling  he  is  severely  punished. 

When  members  of  the  crew  wish  to  visit  other 


8o  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

ships  a  visiting  party  is  collected  and  a  list  of  the 
crew  given  to  the  officer  of  the  deck.  He  grants 
permission  to  the  party  to  visit  the  other  ship.  The 
ship's  boats  are  used  to  convey  the  visiting  party  to 
and  from  their  destination. 

Permission  is  granted  to  go  in  swimming  from 
the  side  of  the  ship,  should  the  weather  permit. 
Any  one  wishing  to  go  in  swimming  dons  a  bathing- 
suit,  and  the  instant  swimming  call  is  sounded  there 
is  a  mass  of  bluejackets  in  the  water,  swimming  and 
splashing  around  like  children.  A  small  boat  is  de- 
tailed to  lay  off  from  the  ship  to  give  aid  in  case  of 
an  accident.  The  men  are  not  allowed  to  remain 
in  the  water  very  long,  and  when  **  recall "  is  sounded 
all  hands  come  out  of  the  water. 

Each  ship  has  a  fine  up-to-date  library  which  con- 
tains several  hundred  volumes.  The  most  popular 
books  are  those  on  travel,  etc.  Many  members  of 
the  crew  are  talented  singers  and  musicians,  and  it 
is  quite  a  treat  to  hear  a  quartette  of  singers  by 
moonlight  on  the  forecastle,  with  the  assistance  of 
several  stringed  instruments. 

The  dramatic  talent  of  the  crew  has  an  opportu- 
nity to  display  itself  at  the  various  theatrical  enter- 
tainments given  aboard  ship.  Very  little  artificial 
scenery  is  required,  as  the  big  guns  of  the  ship,  the 
neat  appearance  of  the  officers  and  men,  and  the 
general  surroundings  furnish  all  the  scenery  neces- 


Man-o^-War  Lingo  8i 

sary.  The  stage  is  rigged  up  on  deck.  Officers 
and  men  of  the  fleet  and  sometimes  people  from 
shore  are  invited  to  the  show. 

No  admittance  fee  is  charged  at  this  theatrical  per- 
formance, as  the  officers  and  crew  furnish  every- 
thing needed.  Programs  are  distributed  and  the 
members  of  the  troupe  given  pseudonyms.  The 
entertainments,  of  course,  are  more  or  less  of  a  salty 
nature. 

MAN-O'-WAR  LINGO 

The  terms  and  expressions  used  by  the  men  in 
the  Navy  are  most  peculiar.  Should  an  outsider 
listen  to  two  bluejackets  conversing  about  the  ser- 
vice, he  would  hear  many  terms  which  would  cer- 
tainly be  incomprehensible  to  him.  The  following 
list  will  give  a  fair  idea  of  the  meanings  of  some  of 
the  expressions : 

**  Going  down  hill  " — over  half  the  enlistment  in. 

**  Short-timer" — less  than  six  months  to  serve. 

*'  Rookie  " — a  new  recruit  who  has  just  enlisted. 

**  Smoke-stack  " — an  imaginary  jag. 

*'  Ship  over  " — to  re-enlist. 

''  Jimmy  legs  " — the  master-at-arms  of  the  ship. 

**  Black  gang" — all  men  belonging  to  the  engi- 
neer's department. 

''  Mailo  " — the  mail  has  arrived  aboard  the  ship 
and  is  about  to  be  distributed. 


82  The  American  Battleship  in  G)inmission 

'*  Blacky  " — the  blacksmith. 

**  Chips  " — a  carpenter's  mate. 

**  Coppers'* — the  coppersmith. 

*'  The  chief  " — chief  engineer  of  the  ship. 

*  *  Lucky  bag  " — a  bag  in  which  are  placed  all 
articles  lost  on  the  ship. 

*'  Jumped  " — desertion  by  a  sailor. 

**  Six  months  and  a  bob  "  refers  to  one  who  has 
been  court-martialed  and  sentenced  to  six  months 
in  prison  and  eventually  given  a  dishonorable  dis- 
charge. 

**  Up  to  the  mast  " — all  persons  on  the  report  for 
offences  committed  are  lined  up  aft  on  the  quarter- 
deck, where  the  captain  acts  as  judge  in  each  in- 
stance. 

**  Pipe  down  " — shut  up. 

**  Belay  "—hold  on. 

**  Dog  " — a  bottle  of  liquor. 

**Tell  it  to  a  marine" — a  remark  used  when 
one  person  does  not  believe  a  statement  another  is 
telling  him. 

'*  Salt  horse  " — salted  beef. 

**The  ghost  walking" — pay  day. 

'*  Pot  on  " — a  person  with  a  heavy  list  to  port. 

**  Beach  comber" — one  who  hangs  around  sa- 
loons, etc.,  ashore  and  who  has  no  desire  to 
work. 

**  Hike  " — to  go  ashore  on  a  heavy  march. 


Man-o'-War  Lingo  83 

**  Sea-going*' — traveling  at  sea. 

**  Mulligan*' — a  favorite  dish  of  an  unknown 
quantity. 

'^  Charley  Noble  " — the  galley  stove-pipe. 

**Sea  dog" — an  old  sailor  with  several  enlist- 
ment stripes  on  his  arm. 

**  Run  up" — brought  to  the  mast  for  offences 
committed. 

**  Breaking  it  " — remaining  overtime  on  shore. 

**Down  for  a  chance" — on  the  report  for  mast 
call. 

**  Canned  Willie" — canned  beef. 

**  On  the  books" — money  due  on  the  paymas- 
ter's books. 

*'  Pie  wagon  " — the  brig  where  prisoners  are  con- 
fined. 

**Sea  lawyer" — one  who  thinks  he  knows  more 
about  the  Blue  Book  than  the  captain. 

**  Smoko !   sailo !  " — a  vessel  sighted. 

**  Hitch" — an  enlistment. 

**  Cum  shaw" — a  rake-off. 

**  Big  ticket  " — an  honorable  discharge. 

** Stone  frigate" — prisons  ashore. 

*^  Sheeney  " — a  person  having  a  sewing-machine 
and  doing  tailor  work  aboard  ship. 

**  Gadget  " — a  make-shift  name  for  any  object. 

**  Jaw-bone  " — credit. 

**  Busted  " — disrated  to  a  lower  rating. 


84  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

**  Mud  hook  " — the  ship*s  anchor. 

**  Berth  deck  slusher" — messmen  who  wait  on 
the  tables  of  the  crew. 

'*  Rope-yarn  Sunday'' — Wednesday  afternoon, 
when  the  crew  overhaul  their  bag  of  clothing. 

**  Dead  soldier" — an  empty  bottle. 

**  Making  knots  " — hurrying. 

**  Bumboats  " — shore  boats  containing  articles 
to  be  sold  to  the  crew. 

'*  Micky  " — nickname  for  the  Mohican. 

**  Philly  " — nickname  for  the  Philadelphia. 

**  Show  a  leg" — when  the  master-at-arms  wakes 
all  hands  in  the  morning,  they  call  out,  **  Rise  and 
shine,  show  a  leg,"  etc. 

**  Stand  by  " — be  on  hand. 

**  Draws  more  water" — receives  more  pay. 

**  Hurdy-gurdy  " — a  sewing-machine  turned  by 
hand. 

*'  Paymaster's  bouquet  " — salt-water  soap  issued 
by  the  paymaster. 

**  Blow  off  at  a  low  pressure  " — refers  to  a  talka- 
tive person. 

"•  Under  the  gun  " — one  sitting  next  to  the  dealer 
in  a  friendly  game  of  draw. 

**Got  the  wrinkles  out" — sensation  of  hunger 
removed. 

'*  God's  country" — any  part  of  the  United 
States.  « 


Man-o'-War  Lingo  85 

'*  Put  in  his  oar" — to  intrude  in  a  conversation. 

**  Under  way  " — a  ship  moving  through  the  water. 

**  Sloper  " — a  person  from  the  West  coast  of  the 
United  States. 

**  Snowdigger" — a  person  from  the  East  coast  of 
the  United  States. 

**  Batten  down" — secure. 

**  Straight  kick" — dishonorably  discharged. 

**  Rig  in  your  booms  " — pull  in  your  elbows. 

**  Red  house  " — insane  asylum. 

**  Swallowed  the  Blue  Book" — one  who  is  contin- 
ually quoting  the  Navy  regulations. 

'*  Caught  a  crab  " — oar  caught  in  the  water. 

**  Field  day  " — day  on  which  the  ship  is  scrubbed 
and  cleaned. 

**  Shove  off,  Jack  " — a  hint  to  move  on. 

'*  Straggler" — a  deserter  who  voluntarily  gives 
himself  up  within  a  period  of  six  months  after  de- 
sertion. 

'*  Heave  to  " — stop. 

**  Swing  ship  " — placing  the  ship  in  a  position  so 
that  the  navigator  can  adjust  his  compass. 

**  All  night  in  and  beans  for  breakfast  " — a  re- 
mark that  is  made  by  one  who  has  had  no  night 
watch  and  enjoyed  a  good  night's  sleep. 


CHAPTER   IV 

ORDNANCE — HOW    ARMOR  IS    MADE — MAIN    GUNS 
. — CREW    OF    A    LARGE    GUN — INTERMEDIATE 
AND    SECONDARY    BATTERY    GUNS — HOW 
A   LARGE    GUN    IS    MADE — AMMUNI- 
TION— WEIGHT  OF  PROJECTILES 
— TORPEDOES 

ORDNANCE 

TH  E  armor  and  armament  with  their  many  acces- 
sories constitute  the  main  fighting  strength 
of  the  ship. 
No  doubt  all  ships  built  in  the  future  will  be 
equipped  with  the  heaviest  armor  and  armament 
that  their  tonnage  will  allow.     All  of  Uncle  Sam's 
late  warships,  built  and  building,  have  all  these  im- 
portant accessories.     Therefore  they  will  hold  their 
own  as  modern  warships  for  many  years  to  come. 
The  Oregon  and  her  sister  ships,  the  Indiana  and 
the  Massachusetts,  represent  our  first  lot  of  first- 
class  battleships.     They  were  commissioned  about 
two  years  before  the  Spanish- American  war.     The 


Ordnance  87 

Oregon  has  won  the  Gunnery  Trophy  twice  in  suc- 
cession. This  demonstrates  the  fact  that  our  oldest 
battleships  are  still  quite  modern  in  many  respects. 
To  capture  the  much-coveted  prize  the  Oregon  had 
to  compete  with  all  the  large  type  of  ships  in  the 
Navy. 

A  warship  is  placed  out  of  commission  regularly. 
When  this  occurs  the  entire  ship  is  overhauled  and 
equipped  with  the  latest  appliances. 

When  a  new  type  of  gun,  projectile,  etc.,  is  in- 
vented, the  Navy  Department  tests  the  merits  of 
each.  Should  the  results  of  the  test  prove  satis- 
factory, the  gun,  or  other  improvement,  would  be 
placed  in  use  aboard  ship.  The  Government  never 
jumps  at  conclusions,  as  all  improvements  made  are 
done  after  a  long  period  of  tests  and  experiments. 
In  this  way  all  of  Uncle  Sam's  warships  are  kept  up 
to  the  highest  standard  of  efficiency. 

HOW   ARMOR   IS    MADE 

After  the  ship  is  launched  the  armor  is  set  up. 
In  some  cases,  however,  the  builders  may  set  part 
of  the  armor  before  launching.  On  the  sides  of  the 
ship,  a  few  feet  below  the  water-line,  there  is  a  shelf- 
like arrangement  on  which  the  armor  rests  as  it  is 
secured  to  the  sides  of  the  ship. 

This  armor  is  very  costly  and  is  made  by  many 
processes,  much  of  which  is  secret. 


SS  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

All  armor  is  subjected  to  rigid  tests  by  the  Gov- 
ernment. When  one  lot  of  armor  is  made  certain 
pieces  are  selected  from  it  and  sent  to  the  proving- 
grounds.  Here  it  is  set  up  for  the  large-caliber 
guns  to  fire  at.  Should  the  armor  fail  to  stand  the 
various  tests,  the  entire  lot  is  condemned.  The 
armor-plate  manufacturers  know  by  the  blue-prints 
the  exact  size  and  shape  of  each  section  of  armor, 
and  also  where  all  bolt-holes,  etc.,  are  to  be  made. 

In  making  armor,  first  of  all  a  batch  of  metal  is 
smelted  in  the  furnaces,  and  when  ready  this  metal 
is  poured  into  moulds  which  form  the  armor  ingot. 
After  forming,  the  ingot  is  then  taken  to  a  huge 
heating  furnace ;  it  is  reheated  and  brought  to  a 
forging-press,  where  it  soon  works  down  to  the  size 
desired.  After  forging  the  plate  it  is  face-hardened 
by  many  different  processes,  much  of  which  is  se- 
cret. 

When  the  armor-plate  is  trimmed  up,  tempered, 
and  all  other  work  on  it  completed,  the  plate  is 
then  taken  to  a  powerful  hydraulic  press,  which 
soon  forms  the  armor-plate  into  any  shape  desired. 

When  the  armor  arrives  in  its  finished  state,  the 
ship's  builders  secure  it  in  place.  All  bolt-holes 
and  other  machine  work  on  the  armor-plate  must 
be  perfect,  because  all  joints,  etc.,  must  fit  snugly. 
The  size  and  quantity  of  armor  varies  according  to 
the  size  and  type  of  the  ship.     Armor  is  made  to 


How  Armor  is  Made  89 

prevent  shells  from  injuring  the  ship,  and  the  object 
in  face-hardening  the  armor  is  to  try  to  give  it 
the  resisting  power  necessary  to  deflect  or  break  up 
all  shells  with  which  it  comes  in  contact. 

The  main  armor  belt  extends  along  the  sides 
and  runs  the  entire  length  of  the  ship.  Above 
the  main  armor  belt  are  the  casements,  which  are 
also  well  armored  in  proportion.  The  casements 
are  the  upper  sides  of  the  ship  behind  which  the 
intermediate  and  secondary  guns  are  mounted. 

The  main  guns  are  mounted  in  turrets  which  are 
heavily  armored,  and  which  revolve  on  top  of  the 
barbette.  The  barbette  is  similar  to  a  circular  fort, 
and  is  extremely  heavily  armored  in  order  to  pro- 
tect the  loading  mechanism,  etc.,  of  the  guns. 

The  conning-tower,  military  masts,  sighting- 
hoods,  ammunition-tubes,  and  the  protective  deck 
are  also  well  armored  in  proportion. 

Only  the  outer  side  of  the  armor  is  face-hardened, 
and  this  varies  in  resisting  power  according  to  the 
different  processes  to  which  the  armor-plate  is  sub- 
jected. 


90  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 


MAIN   GUNS 

The  guns  of  a  battleship  could  be  divided  into 
three  classes:  main,  intermediate,  and  secondary 
battery  guns.  The  main  guns  consist  of  eight-,  ten-, 
twelve-,  or  thirteen-inch  guns.  These  are  all 
mounted  in  turrets  which  revolve  on  top  of  the 
barbette.  The  two  guns,  mounts,  and  loading 
mechanism  and  turret  revolve  as  one.  The  bar- 
bette extends  a  few  feet  above  the  deck,  on  top  of 
which  are  rollers  on  which  the  turret  revolves. 

All  our  late  ships  have  counterbalanced  turrets 
which  have  the  weights  so  adjusted  that  the  ship 
would  not  list  were  all  the  main  guns  trained  to 
one  side.  With  the  old-style  turrets  the  ship  was 
exposed  to  danger  when  the  main  guns  were  all 
trained  to  one  side.  This  would  give  the  ship  a 
heavy  list  and  thus  expose  the  lower  part  of  the 
armor-belt  to  the  enemy. 

Located  at  the  bottom  of  the  turret  is  the  hand- 
ling-room, where  all  ammunition  is  trolleyed  from 
the  magazines  to  the  loading-car.  A  large  rammer 
sends  the  shell  home.  When  withdrawn,  the  bags 
of  powder  are  put  into  the  powder-chamber  and  the 
breech-plug  is  closed.  Then  the  gun  is  ready  to 
be  fired. 

When  in  action  the  guns  are  kept  trained  toward 


Main  Guns  91 

the  mark  while  the  loading  process  is  going  on. 
Upon  finishing  loading  the  gun  is  depressed  from 
the  loading  position  and  sighted  on  the  target. 
When  the  gun-pointer  has  the  gun  sighted  on  the 
mark  he  fires. 

On  nearly  all  our  ships  the  main  guns  are  mounted 
in  pairs  in  turrets.  When  mounted  in  pairs  each 
gun  has  its  own  loading  mechanism  and  they  can 
be  sighted  and  fired  separately,  although  both  fire 
toward  the  same  mark. 

The  hoists,  turrets,  and  rammers  are  operated 
by  either  hydraulic  or  electric  power.  The  gun 
rests  on  the  saddle  and  large  steel  bands  and  straps 
are  used  to  secure  it  in  place.  The  saddle  rests  on 
the  slides  and  is  held  down  with  heavy  clips  and 
lugs.  Attached  to  the  outer  end  of  the  saddle  are 
large  pistons  which  lead  into  the  recoil-cylinders. 

There  are  two  types  of  recoil-cylinders.  One  is 
filled  with  recoil-liquid  and  contains  recoil-springs ; 
the  other  type  is  worked  by  hydraulic  power. 

In  hydraulic-power  turrets,  similar  to  the  Oregon 
type,  the  recoil-cylinder  contains  a  water-pressure 
of  about  six  hundred  pounds  to  the  square  inch. 
This  pressure  is  supplied  by  huge  hydraulic  pumps, 
which  are  located  well  below  the  water-line.  When 
firing,  these  pumps  must  be  kept  going  in  order  to 
retain  pressure  for  the  recoil-cylinders. 

The  supply-pipe  from  the  pumps  is  located  at 


92  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

the  back  end  of  the  cylinder  and  contains  a  check- 
valve.  The  front  end  of  the  recoil-cylinders  con- 
tains relief-valves,  which  are  set  at  a  high  pres- 
sure. 

When  the  gun  is  fired  a  deafening  roar  is  heard  as 
the  gun  recoils  backward  over  the  slides.  The  in- 
stant the  gun  is  fired  the  check-valve  in  the  supply- 
pipe  closes.  Were  this  not  so  the  pipes  and  the 
pumps  down  below  would  burst  from  the  sudden 
pressure  created. 

The  interior  walls  of  the  recoil-cylinders  contain 
several  grooves,  and  the  piston  enters  the  cylinder 
and  forces  the  water  through  these  grooves  past 
the  piston-head  until  the  recoil  is  finally  checked. 
There  is  no  escape  for  the  water  displaced  by  the 
pistons  entering  the  cylinders,  except  through  the 
relief-valves,  which  are  forced  open  by  the  enor- 
mous pressure  created.  This  allows  the  necessary 
amount  of  water  to  escape.  As  soon  as  the  gun 
ceases  recoiling,  the  relief- valves  close  and  the  check- 
valve  in  the  supply-pipe  opens,  and  the  pressure 
formed  against  the  back  end  of  the  pistons  quickly 
forces  the  gun  out  to  battery. 

Fresh  water  is  used  by  the  hydraulic  pumps,  and 
all  water  escaping  from  the  recoil-cylinders  is  led 
back  to  the  fresh- water  tanks  to  be  repumped. 

Officers  are  stationed  in  the  fighting-tops  to  ascer- 
tain the  range, which  is  signaled  down  to  the  turrets. 


Ctcw  of  a  Large  Gun  93 

In  action  the  results  of  the  firing  can  be  better 
judged  when  taking  observation  from  an  elevated 
point  of  view.  The  range  varies  continually  in 
battle,  as  both  fleets  are  constantly  maneuvering 
about  to  gain  an  advantageous  position. 

CREW   OF   A   LARGE    GUN 

Several  hundred  men  are  connected,  directly  and 
indirectly,  in  operating  the  big  guns.  Coal-passers 
bring  the  coal  to  the  firemen ;  the  firemen  keep  up 
steam  in  the  boilers  with  which  to  operate  the  ma- 
chinery of  the  ship ;  and  thus  the  division  of  labor 
continues  all  along  the  line  until  we  come  to  the 
gun's  crew  proper. 

A  thirteen-inch  shell  weighs  eleven  hundred 
pounds.  The  powder-charge  used  to  eject  this 
shell  from  the  gun  weighs  well  over  two  hundred 
pounds. 

A  great  number  of  men  are  required  to  handle 
the  guns  and  ammunition  of  the  ship.  Extra  men 
must  also  be  available,  because  during  a  battle 
many  men  may  be  put  out  of  action.  The  follow- 
ing will  give  a  fair  idea  of  the  duties  performed  by 
a  large  gun's  crew. 

Turret  Officer  is  in  complete  charge  of  the  turret 
and  gives  all  orders  necessary.     The  turret  contains 


94  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

speaking-tubes,  etc.,  which  enable  the  turret  officer 
to  be  kept  informed  with  regard  to  the  movements 
erf  the  enemy,  range,  how  the  shots  are  landing,  etc. 

Turret  Captain  is  next  in  command  to  the  turret 
officer.  Should  an  accident  befall  the  turret  officer, 
the  turret  captain  would  then  take  charge.  The  tur- 
ret captain  also  superintends  all  work  in  the  turret. 

Trainers  keep  the  guns  trained  toward  the  tar- 
get while  the.  gun  is  being  loaded  and  fired.  When 
the  gun  is  fired  it  is  put  into  loading  position,  and 
upon  being  loaded  the  gun  is  quickly  sighted  on 
the  mark. 

Gun-pointers  sight  and  fire  the  gun  with  the 
assistance  of  the  trainers.  Much  responsibility  rests 
on  the  gun-pointer,  because  while  the  gun  is  being 
sighted  the  firing-lanyard  is  in  his  hand.  Upon 
sighting  the  gun  properly,  the  gun-pointer  fires  it 
with  either  percussion  or  electric  primer. 

Gunner  s  Mate  is  in  charge  of  the  handling-room 
below,  where  all  ammunition  is  loaded  into  the 
loading-car.  This  car  brings  the  ammunition  di- 
rectly in  front  of  the  breech  end  of  the  gun  when 
needed. 


Crew  of  a  Large  Gun  95 

Rammer  Man  operates  the  rammer,  which  sends 
the  shell  home.  This  rammer  pushes  the  shell  off 
the  car  into  the  gun,  and  it  is  operated  by  either 
hydraulic  or  electric  power. 

Powder  Men  take  the  powder  from  the  loading- 
car  as  soon  as  it  arrives  at  the  loading-platform. 
This  powder  is  in  bags,  and  when  the  rammer  re- 
coils home  the  powder  is  quickly  put  into  the  pow- 
der-chamber. 

Plug  Man  operates  the  breech-plug  mechanism. 
As  soon  as  the  gun  is  loaded  the  plug  man  quickly 
closes  the  breech-plug,  which  locks  it  into  position. 

Sight-setter  adjusts  the  sights  when  ordered  to 
do  so  by  the  turret  officer.  He  also  watches  the 
sights,  so  that  he  may  ascertain  whether  they  have 
become  deranged  from  the  concussion  of  the  guns. 

Handling-room  Crew  work  down  in  the  handling- 
room,  where  all  ammunition  is  trolleyed  from  the 
magazines  to  the  loading-car.  A  large  number  of 
men  are  detailed  to  work  in  the  magazines. 


96  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 


INTERMEDIATE  AND  SECONDARY  BAT- 
TERY GUNS 

The  intermediate  guns  of  the  battleship  vary  in 
caliber.  Four-,  five-,  six-,  and  seven-inch  guns 
are  included  in  the  intermediate  battery,  and  they 
represent  the  broadside  battery  of  the  ship.  Some 
ships  are  equipped  with  five-inch  guns  in  the  inter- 
mediate battery,  and  other  ships  may  be  equipped 
with  guns  of  a  larger  caliber. 

The  guns  are  mounted  on  a  permanent  pedestal 
mount,  and  they  recoil  on  about  the  same  principle 
as  the  hydraulic-power  recoil-guns.  This,  of 
course,  excepts  the  fact  that  all  guns  of  the  inter- 
mediate battery  are  filled  with  recoil-liquid,  consist- 
ing of  glycerine  and  water. 

The  back  end  of  these  recoil-cylinders  contains 
powerful  steel  springs.  When  the  recoil-pistons 
meet  these  springs  they  help  take  up  the  recoil,  and 
quickly  the  gun  is  forced  out  to  battery. 

On  the  larger  caliber  guns  counter-recoil  springs 
are  used.  These  take  up  the  jar  as  the  guns  return 
to  the  battery. 

The  intermediate  guns  are  operated  by  hand- 
gear,  and  are  easily  manipulated,  as  the  gun  and 
its  mechanism  revolve  on  top  of  a  series  of  small 
rollers,  while  the  other  parts  are  connected  with 
cogs  or  worm-gear.     These  guns  can  be  fired  with 


Intermediate  and  Secondary  Battery  Guns  97 

greater  rapidity  than  the  main  guns,  because  of  the 
fact  that  fixed  or  semi-fixed  ammunition  is  used. 

As  soon  as  the  gun  is  fired  the  gun-pointer  and 
trainer  keep  it  trained  and  sighted  on  the  mark 
while  the  loading  process  is  going  on.  Ammu- 
nition-hoists are  placed  conveniently  at  hand  to 
supply  the  guns  of  the  intermediate  battery  with 
ammunition. 

Some  of  our  new  battleships  are  equipped  with 
a  broadside  of  twelve  seven-inch  guns,  which  are 
independent  of  the  main  guns.  The  main  guns 
consist  of  four  twelve-inch  and  eight  eight-inch 
guns.  The  main  guns,  which  are  mounted  in  tur- 
rets, are  protected  by  the  heavily  armored  turrets 
and  barbettes.  The  guns  of  the  intermediate  bat- 
tery are  also  well  protected  by  the  casemates  or  side 
armor,  which  extends  up  above  the  main  armor  belt. 

The  intermediate  and  main  guns  are  sighted  with 
telescopic  sights,  the  outer  end  of  which  contains 
cross-wires.  When  the  gun-pointer  has  the  cross- 
wires  on  the  mark  he  then  fires  the  gun. 

The  guns  of  the  secondary  battery  vary  from 
three  inches  down  to  the  smaller  caliber  machine- 
guns.  One-,  three-,  and  six-pounder  guns,  and 
also  the  three-inch  guns  are  the  largest  caliber  guns 
in  the  secondary  battery.  This  battery  is  of  great 
use  in  repelling  torpedo-boat  attacks,  bombarding 
at  close  range,  etc.     All  these  guns  work  automat- 


98  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

ically  or  semi-automatically.  When  a  semi-auto- 
matic gun  is  fired,  the  gases,  etc.,  from  each  shot 
are  utilized  to  eject  the  empty  cartridge-case  from 
the  gun.  All  ammunition  used  by  the  secondary 
battery  is  fixed ;  the  powder  and  shell  is  made  up 
in  a  single  cartridge-case  similar  to  small  rifle  am- 
munition. 

By  using  this  ammunition  the  hail  of  the  fire  is 
terrific.  The  Colts  automatic  gun  fires  thirty-cali- 
ber service  rifle  ammunition.  The  first  shot  starts 
the  gun  in  action,  and  the  gun  will  keep  firing  as 
long  as  the  trigger  is  held  back  and  the  ammunition 
holds  out. 

The  ammunition  is  fed  by  a  belt  containing  sev- 
eral hundred  rounds,  and  as  soon  as  one  belt  is  used 
up  another  one  is  put  in  its  place. 

A  Colts  automatic  in  action  sounds  like  a  long 
row  of  large-size  firecrackers  going  off.  This  gun 
is  mounted  on  a  small  carriage,  and  is  used  mostly 
by  the  boarding  and  landing  parties  which  may  be 
sent  from  the  ship.  The  barrel  of  this  gun  is  de- 
tachable, because  when  one  gets  overheated  it  must 
be  replaced  with  another  barrel. 

A  machine-gun  is  one  with  more  than  one  barrel. 
By  turning  a  crank  or  lever  the  gun  will  fire  several 
hundred  shots  a  minute  as  long  as  the  ammunition 
holds  out.  The  ammunition  is  supplied  by  either 
a  belt,  hopper,  or  drum. 


How  a  Large  Gun  is  Made  99 

By  having  several  barrels  a  machine-gun  can  fire 
a  terrific  hail  of  shot,  since  each  barrel  fires  indi- 
vidually. 

Each  ship  carries  a  couple  of  three-inch  field- 
pieces,  which  are  mounted  on  a  wheeled  truck. 
This  gun  with  the  machine  and  automatic  guns  are 
taken  ashore  with  the  landing  party  which  may  be 
sent  from  the  ship.  A  small  army  of  men  could 
be  kept  at  bay  with  a  couple  of  these  automatic 
guns. 

HOW   A    LARGE    GUN    IS    MADE 

All  guns  on  board  a  warship  are  so  constructed 
and  mounted  that,  should  any  accident  occur  to 
the  gun  proper,  it  could  be  easily  replaced  with  a 
new  one. 

.The  labor,  patience,  and  expense  involved  in 
manufacturing  a  large  gun  is  enormous.  In  mak- 
ing a  large  gun  the  gun-metal  is  smelted  in  a  huge 
ladle.  It  is  then  poured  into  a  mould.  When  the 
mould  is  filled  the  top  is  securely  closed  and  a 
pressure  put  on  the  molten  metal  by  large  hydraulic 
rams,  which  exert  an  enormous  pressure  on  the 
mass.  This  causes  it  to  form  compactly,  and 
forces  out  all  the  blow-holes.  When  the  metal  is 
cool  it  is  removed  from  the  mould  and  the  ingot  is 
roughly  bored.  After  boring  the  tube  is  heated  in 
the  furnace  and   forged   out   on  a  mandrel.      It  is 


icxD  The  American  Battleship  in  Gwmnission 

then  put  through  several  processes  of  tempering, 
etc. 

The  tube  is  now  set  up  in  a  huge  lathe,  where 
the  outside  of  the  tube  is  turned  down  to  the  size 
desired.  This  tube  is  very  thick  at  the  breech  end 
of  the  gun,  and  gradually  tapers  down  in  size  toward 
the  muzzle. 

Large  steel  jackets  and  hoops  are  heated  in  the 
furnace  in  order  to  expand  them.  These  hoops 
and  jackets  are  dropped  over  the  gun  while  hot, 
and  upon  cooling  they  contract,  thus  greatly  rein- 
forcing the  gun. 

After  the  jackets  and  hoops  are  assembled  the 
tube  is  set  up  on  the  lathe  and  rebored  to  the 
proper  size.  During  these  various  operations  the 
gun  is  carefully  examined  to  detect  flaws  of  any 
kind. 

When  the  gun  is  rebored  and  turned  to  the  right 
size,  it  is  brought  to  the  rifling-machine.  This 
machine  cuts  a  series  of  riflings  in  the  bore  of 
the  gun.  These  commence  at  the  back  end  of  the 
powder-chamber  and  extend  on  throughout  the  bore 
of  the  gun.  The  riflings  give  the  projectile  a  rotary 
motion,  which  causes  the  shell  to  go  true  on  its 
course  as  it  leaves  the  gun.  This  prevents  the  shell 
from  tumbling  or  sagging.  Each  shell  has  a  copper 
band  around  the  base  end  of  it.  A  groove  is  cut 
out  of  the  shell,  in  which  it  is  secured.     This  band 


How  a  Large  Gun  is  Made  loi 

is  called  the  rotary  band,  and  is  tapered  on  the  end 
edge.  It  is  slightly  larger  than  the  bore  of  the 
gun,  and  as  the  shell  is  rammed  home  it  strikes 
up  against  the  rifling  and  gives  the  shell  a  rotary 
motion  when  the  gun  is  fired. 

At  the  breech  end  of  the  gun  all  necessary  slots, 
screw-holes,  etc.,  are  made.  The  breech-plug 
mechanism  of  a  large  gun  looks  a  complicated  af- 
fair, yet  it  is  quite  simple.  By  operating  a  single 
lever  the  breech-plug  unlocks  itself  and  swings  open. 
Upon  closing  the  breech-plug  the  movements  are 
reversed. 

After  the  gun  is  completed  it  is  sent  to  the  prov- 
ing-grounds,  where  it  is  severely  tested  by  firing  it. 
After  the  gun  has  successfully  passed  through  the 
tests  it  is  sent  to  the  ship  designated,  or  it  may 
be  kept  in  stock  until  needed. 

A  gun  must  be  of  great  strength,  because  the 
strain  imposed  upon  it  when  being  fired  is  enormous. 

Previously  the  Government  turned  out  all  of  its 
own  guns,  but  of  late  many  have  been  let  by  con- 
tract to  outside  firms.  This  has  established  many 
gun  factories  in  this  country.  These  will  be  of 
great  service  in  time  of  war. 


'  '  '  ^62  Tnc  AmSsrfcan  Battleship  in  Commission 


AMMUNITION 

Smokeless  powder  is  now  used  in  the  Navy. 
This  powder  is  of  great  strength,  and  an  ordinary 
powder-charge  for  a  large  modern  gun  requires  a 
much  smaller  amount  than  powder  of  the  old  type. 
When  a  gun  was  fired  with  the  old-style  powder 
the  ship  was  enveloped  in  a  cloud  of  smoke,  and 
should  no  breeze  be  blowing  at  the  time,  the  smoke 
would  hover  about  the  ship  for  some  time.  This 
would  prevent  further  firing  until  the  smoke  cleared 
away.  The  difficulty  has  been  obviated,  however, 
by  the  smokeless  powder. 

Three  different  types  of  shells  are  used  in  the 
Navy:  armor-piercing,  shrapnel,  and  common. 
These  shells  are  formed  in  a  mould  and  then  forged 
down  to  the  required  size.  After  forging  the  shell 
is  trimmed  up  on  the  lathe,  interior  hollowed  out, 
and  all  other  necessary  machine-work  is  completed 
on  it. 

Armor-piercing  shells  are  especially  hardened  at 
the  nose,  so  that  they  may  penetrate  the  armor  of 
the  ship.  At  the  nose  of  an  armor-piercing  shell  is 
a  lubricating-cap,  which  is  filled  with  a  soft  metal, 
which  assists  the  shell  to  penetrate  the  armor.  A 
great  many  armor-piercing  shells  contain  a  bursting- 
charge,  which  explodes  similar  to  a  common  shell. 

Common  shells  are  made  on  about  the  same  prin- 


The  Pennsylvania's  Broadside.     A  few  broadside  guns  of  an  armored  cruiser. 
The  port  side  looking  aft. 

Copyright,  1906,  by  Enrique  Muller. 


Ammunition  103 

ciple  as  the  armor-piercing  shells,  but  the  common 
shells  contain  larger  bursting-charges. 

Many  shells  are  equipped  with  time-fuses,  and 
by  knowing  the  range,  resistance  of  shell  leaving 
gun,  strength  and  weight  of  powder-charge,  the 
time  occupied  by  the  shell  in  reaching  the  mark 
can  be  very  easily  figured  out.  The  time-fuse  is 
set  accordingly,  allowance  being  made  for  the  shell 
to  penetrate  the  ship  before  exploding. 

Shrapnel  shells  have  a  large  cavity  bored  out  of 
the  interior,  and  this  is  filled  with  several  small  metal 
balls.  Among  these  balls  is  a  small  bursting-charge 
of  powder.  The  walls  of  these  shells  are  very  thin, 
so  that  they  will  burst  easily.  The  time-fuse  is 
sometimes  set  so  that  the  shell  will  explode  just  as 
it  is  about  to  strike  the  mark.  The  momentum  of 
the  shell  will  cause  the  many  fragments  and  small 
balls  to  be  hurled  in  many  directions,  thus  caus- 
ing great  destruction  about  the  decks  of  the 
enemy. 

The  larger  size  shells  are  equipped  with  base- 
fuses.  These  are  set  in  the  center  of  the  bottom  of 
the  shell,  and  upon  impact  a  plunger  jumps  forward 
and  explodes  the  bursting-charge  within  the  shell. 

All  ammunition  is  kept  carefully  stowed  in  the 
magazines.  The  powder-charge  for  the  large-cali- 
ber guns  is  kept  in  large  copper  tanks  or  tubes,  each 
of  which  contains  one  charge. 


I04  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

This  powder  is  put  up  in  bags,  and  these  fit  snug- 
ly into  the  powder-chamber  of  the  gun.  At  the 
base  end  of  each  bag  is  a  small  amount  of  black 
powder,  which  causes  the  smokeless  powder  to  ig- 
nite more  freely  when  the  gun  is  fired.  Each  pow- 
der-charge is  indexed  with  the  date  of  manufacture, 
strength,  etc. 

The  shells  are  kept  stowed  in  the  shell-rooms. 
All  powder-charges  and  shells  are  piled  in  racks  or 
bins,  which  are  well  secured  so  as  to  prevent  them 
from  breaking  adrift  when  the  ship  is  at  sea.  The 
larger  powder-tanks  stand  on  end. 

All  magazines  are  kept  ventilated,  and  in  case  of 
fire  they  are  quickly  flooded,  as  each  contains  one 
or  more  flood-cocks  which  are  connected  with  the 
sea.  These  cocks  are  operated  from  the  upper 
decks,  and  upon  being  opened  they  let  in  an  im- 
mense volume  of  water. 

The  ammunition  for  the  smaller  caliber  guns  of 
the  intermediate  and  secondary  battery  guns  is  kept 
stowed  in  separate  magazines.  All  guns  of  these 
two  batteries  from  five-inch  down  use  fixed  ammu- 
nition. This  is  kept  stowed  in  boxes  containing 
one  or  more  rounds,  according  to  the  caliber  of  the 
gun. 

Much  care  and  precaution  are  taken  with  the  mag- 
azines at  all  times,  because  should  one  explode  the 
greatest  destruction  would  follow. 


Weight  of  Projectiles 


105 


WEIGHT    OF    PROJECTILES 

i-pounder  gun shell 

3-pounder  *'    

6-pounder  "     

3-inch  "     

4-inch  **     

5-inch  "     

6-inch  *'     

7-inch  "     

8-inch  "     

lo-inch  "     

12-inch  *'     

13-inch  ** 


el] 

I   I  lb. 

3  lb. 

6  1b. 

14  lb. 

33  lb. 

50  lb. 

100  lb. 

165  lb. 

250  lb. 

500  lb. 

850  lb. 

1 1 00  lb. 

SHELL   MEASURE,    U.  S.  N. 

2  thirteen-inch i  long  ton 

12  seven-inch i  short  ton 

8  eight-inch  i  ton 

2  ten-inch ^  ton 

I  six-inch i  cwt. 

I  five-inch ^  cwt. 

I  one-pounder i  lb. 

TORPEDOES 

A  large  fleet  of  torpedo-boats  are  maintained  to 
fight  with  this  deadly  weapon — the  torpedo.  In 
addition  to  these  craft  most  of  our  battleships  and 
large  cruisers  are  equipped  with  torpedo-tubes  and  all 
the  necessary  apparatus  required  for  torpedo  work. 

Torpedoes  are  fired  from  a  torpedo-tube.     When 


io6  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

the  torpedo  is  charged  with  the  necessary  pressure 
of  compressed  air,  it  is  then  ready  to  be  fired. 

There  are  two  types  of  tube  in  use :  one  is  sub- 
merged or  below  the  water-line,  the  other  is  above 
the  water-line. 

The  Whitehead  torpedo  has  been  the  type  which 
has  been  used  for  several  years,  but  the  Navy  De- 
partment has  recently  adopted  an  entirely  new  type 
of  torpedo.  It  is  known  as  the  Bliss-Leavitt  tur- 
bine-torpedo. Its  power  is  much  greater  than  that 
of  the  Whitehead  type.  While  the  Whitehead  is 
capable  of  making  twenty-eight  knots  speed  at  a 
900-yard  range,  and  twenty-two  knots  at  1500 
yards,  the  new  turbine-torpedo  makes  a  guaranteed 
speed  of  thirty-six  knots  at  a  1200-yard  range,  and 
twenty-eight  knots  at  3500  yards. 

The  new  torpedo  is  well  adapted  for  use  in  sub- 
merged torpedo-tubes.  This  type  of  tube  is  much 
safer  than  the  tubes  above  the  water,  because  of 
the  fact  that  the  submerged  type  are  below  the 
water-line  and  thus  protect  the  torpedo-room  from 
the  fire  of  the  enemy.  There  are  two  sizes  of  tor- 
pedoes, eighteen-inch  and  twenty-one-inch.  It  is 
claimed  that  the  eighteen-inch  torpedo  costs  $5000 
and  the  twenty-one-inch  a  proportionate  amount 
greater.  This  sum  is  really  insignificant  when  one 
considers  the  battleship  costing  five  or  ten  millions 
which  it  may  put  out  of  commission. 


Torpedoes  107 

A  few  successful  torpedo  attacks  on  a  fleet  of 
large  type  of  ships  would  soon  decide  the  results 
of  a  naval  battle.  A  torpedo  is  divided  into  three 
main  sections.  The  forward  end  is  known  as  the 
warhead;  this  contains  132  pounds  of  guncotton. 
The  amidship  or  center  section  is  the  air-chamber, 
in  which  the  compressed  air  is  forced.  Compressed 
air  is  the  motive  power.  The  after  end  of  the  tor- 
pedo contains  the  turbine-engine  which  operates 
the  propellers.  Two  propellers  are  used,  and  they 
revolve  in  opposite  directions  at  a  high  rate  of 
speed.  Located  in  these  three  main  sections  are 
other  minor  compartments,  which  contain  the  vari- 
ous devices  which  guide  and  regulate  the  torpedo 
when  fired  from  the  tube. 

The  torpedo  contains  horizontal  and  vertical  rud- 
ders, which  are  so  regulated  by  sensitive  devices 
that  they  will  cause  the  torpedo  to  go  true  on  its 
course  and  keep  it  submerged  the  desired  depth 
under  the  water.  So  sensitive  is  the  steering  and 
depth-regulating  apparatus,  that  even  though  there 
be  a  sea  running  at  the  time  the  torpedo  is  fired 
from  the  tube,  the  torpedo  will  rise  and  fall  with 
the  swell  overhead. 

The  depth  of  submersion  is  about  eight  feet, 
which  is  sufficient,  since  it  is  intended  to  strike  the 
enemy  below  the  armor  belt. 

Frequently  torpedo  practice  is  held.     One  form 


io8  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

of  target  practice  is  that  with  a  floating  target, 
which  is  towed  full  speed  past  the  ship,  which  is 
speeding  twelve  knots  or  more  in  the  opposite  di- 
rection. In  firing  torpedoes  from  a  battleship  the 
methods  vary  somewhat.  The  range  between  the 
ship  and  the  target  varies  according  to  the  form  of 
target  practice. 

The  torpedo  is  charged  with  2225  pounds  of 
compressed  air,  which  is  furnished  by  powerful  air- 
compressors.  The  outboard  end  of  the  tube  turns 
in  a  ball  joint ;  the  inboard  end  revolves  over  a  cir 
cular  track.  This  track  is  marked  with  a  set  of  fig- 
ures. When  the  torpedoes  are  being  fired  the  men 
stationed  in  the  torpedo-rooms  cannot  see  at  what 
they  are  firing.  The  torpedo-room  is  located  be- 
hind the  armor  belt,  in  which  is  a  hole  only  large 
enough  to  admit  the  passage  of  a  torpedo. 

The  officer  in  charge  of  the  torpedo-firing  ascer- 
tains the  range  from  a  sensitive  instrument  known 
as  a  torpedo-director.  This  instrument  ascertains 
the  range  of  the  target  or  enemy,  and  the  figures 
marked  on  the  track  on  which  the  torpedo-tube 
passes  over  correspond  with  the  figures  of  the  tor- 
pedo-director. By  this  means  the  tube  is  kept 
trained,  since  the  figures  are  given  to  the  men  sta- 
tioned in  the  torpedo-room. 

As  both  the  target  and  the  ship  are  moving  in 
opposite   directions,  the  tube  is  kept   trained   on 


Torpedoes  109 

the  mark  until  the  torpedo  or  the  target  is  out  of 
range.  A  sudden  release  of  compressed  air  ejects 
the  torpedo  from  the  tube.  As  it  leaves  the  tube 
the  machinery  starts  in  motion  and  an  alcohol  lamp 
is  lighted  automatically.  This  lamp  superheats  the 
compressed  air,  which  gives  it  great  expansive  power 
and  energy. 

An  automatic  stop  is  so  regulated  that  the  tor- 
pedo will  stop  itself  after  it  has  traveled  a  certain 
distance.  In  time  of  war  the  torpedo  could  be 
regulated  so  that  if  it  failed  to  strike  the  enemy  it 
would  sink  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea.  A  floating 
torpedo  with  a  warhead  attached  is  a  menace  to 
both  opposing  nations. 

To  prevent  premature  explosion  another  ingeni- 
ous device  is  used.  Located  at  the  nose  of  the 
warhead  is  a  small  propeller-like  arrangement.  This 
propeller  is  caused  to  revolve  by  the  friction  of  the 
water  as  the  torpedo  speeds  through  it.  A  small 
shaft  is  connected  with  this  propeller  and  unscrews 
a  locking-nut.  After  the  shaft  has  made  a  certain 
number  of  turns  the  firing-pin  is  then  effective; 
this  will  cause  the  torpedo  to  explode  upon  impact. ' 
This  device  allows  the  torpedo  to  get  clear  of  the 
ship  which  fires  the  projectile. 

The  warhead  is  never  used  except  in  time  of  war. 
A  drillhead  is  used  during  practice.  This  has  the 
same  weight  and  size  as  the  warhead. 


I  lo  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

The  majority  of  the  enlisted  men  detailed  for 
torpedo  work  are  gunner's  mates,  who  are  gradu- 
ates from  the  Gunnery  School,  where  torpedo  work 
is  made  a  special  study. 


CHAPTER   V 

NOMENCLATURE  OF  THE  SHIP — DRAINAGE  SYSTEM 

— VENTILATION     SYSTEM — FRESH    AND    SALT 

WATER  SYSTEMS — DESCRIPTION  OF  UNITED 

STATES   VESSELS — HOW   THE  NAVY  HAS 

GROWN  IN  TWELVE  YEARS — VESSELS 

UNDER  CONSTRUCTION — SUMMARY 

OF  IMPORTANT  VESSELS  BUILT 

NOMENCLATURE   OF   THE   SHIP 

MILITARY  Masts  is  the  name  given  to  the 
steel  masts  of  the  ship.      They  are  armored 
at  the  base  and  fighting-tops  are  attached 
to  them.     The  fighting-tops  are  now  used  mostly 
for  observation  and  range-finding. 

Boat  Cranes  are  used  for  hoisting  and  lowering 
boats.  They  have  a  large  tapering  arm  which  re- 
volves. The  cranes  are  also  used  while  coaling, 
and  they  work  mechanically. 

Bridge,  A  long  narrow  bridge  built  up  from  the 
superstructure  deck.  The  pilot-house,  chart-house, 
steering-wheel,     compass,     speaking-tubes,    speed- 


1 1 2  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

annunciator,  and  signaling  apparatus  are  located  on 
the  forward  end  of  the  bridge. 

Emergency  Cabin.  A  small  room  located  on  the 
forward  end  of  the  bridge.  It  is  used  by  the  cap- 
tain during  a  storm  of  long  duration.  In  time  of 
war,  should  an  engagement  be  imminent,  the  cap- 
tain would  occupy  the  emergency  cabin  so  as  to  be 
at  hand. 

Signal-yards.  Near  the  top  of  the  military  masts 
is  a  small  signal-yard,  used  to  hoist  signals  from  the 
bridge. 

Conning'iower  is  located  directly  under  the  for- 
ward end  of  the  bridge.  It  is  made  of  heavy  armor 
and  contains  many  peep-holes ;  the  interior  con- 
tains all  necessary  apparatus  for  navigating  the  ship. 
The  conning-tower  is  supposed  to  be  used  in  time 
of  action,  but  is  seldom  used,  as  the  officers  prefer 
to  remain  on  the  bridge. 

Side  Lights,  When  at  sea  a  red  light  can  be  seen 
from  the  port  side  and  a  green  light  from  the  star- 
board side;  these  lights  define  the  direction  in 
which  the  ship  is  going  at  night. 

Superstructure  Deck.  This  deck  is  built  up  from 
the  broad  part  of  the  main  deck.     Hammock-net- 


Nomenclature  of  the  Ship  113 

tings,  galley  and  engine-room  hatches,  ventilators, 
cranes,  and  most  of  the  secondary  battery  are  lo- 
cated on  this  deck. 

Main  Deck.  On  a  majority  of  the  ships  this  deck 
extends  from  bow  to  stern ;  the  forward  end  is 
called  the  forecastle  (pronounced  ^^forxcl"  by  sail- 
ors) ;  the  rear  end  is  known  as  the  quarter-deck. 
The  ship's  largest  caliber  guns  are  located  on  the 
center  line  of  this  deck. 

Hawse-pipes.  This  is  a  heavy  casting  through 
which  the  anchor-chain  passes  on  its  way  to  the  sea. 

Bitt.  This  is  a  heavy  piece  of  metal  securely 
fastened  to  the  decks.  A  bitt  has  two  upright 
arms  to  which  lines  or  cables  are  fastened. 

Sea-ladder.  This  consists  of  a  series  of  small 
metal  steps  which  are  secured  permanently  against 
the  ship's  side. 

Scuppers.  These  are  heavy  pipes  or  tubes  which 
drain  the  water  from  the  waterways  to  the  sea. 

Waterways.  This  is  a  channel  on  the  outer  edge 
of  the  decks  which  leads  the  water  to  the  scuppers. 

Davitts  are  heavy  metal  arms  which  extend  over 
the  sides  of  the  ship,  and  are  used  for  hoisting  boats, 
stores,  etc. 


1 14  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Cleat  is  a  small  device  with  two  small  arms  used 
for  fastening  small  lines. 

Winch  is  located  about  the  decks  and  is  used  for 
hoisting  purposes. 

Tackle  is  a  set  of  blocks  and  ropes  used  for  hoist- 
ing purposes.  The  more  sheaves  in  the  blocks  the 
greater  the  purchase. 

Lower  Booms  are  extended  out  from  the  ship's 
sides.  As  soon  as  the  anchor  is  dropped  these 
booms  are  rigged  out,  and  all  small  boats  in  the 
water  not  in  use  are  made  fast  to  these  booms. 

A  ir 'ports.  On  the  lower  decks  are  many  air-ports 
used  for  ventilating  and  lighting  purposes,  and  are 
made  of  heavy  glass. 

Battle-ports  are  attached  overhead  from  the  air- 
ports and  are  lowered  and  secured  when  the  big 
guns  are  in  action. 

Grappling  is  a  small  anchor  with  several  claws  and 
is  used  by  the  small  boats. 

Harness  Cask  is  an  oval-shaped  cask  used  for 
stowing  salted  meats. 


A  Navy-yard  Scene.     A  typical  scene  at  the  Brooklyp  r^Tjr-jrar'ft',  'yhere  ^i^rs^ips 
are  overhauled. 


Copyright,  1904,  by  Enrique  Muller. 


'    »    *  .  ^    ^ 


J         J      J  ^       J    3 


Nomenclature  of  the  Ship  115 

Scuttle  Butt  is  a  drinking-tank  where  the  crew 
get  their  drinking-water.  A  cooling-pipe  is  placed 
inside. 

Binnacle  is  a  casing  around  the  compass,  and  on 
the  sides  are  two  small  lamps  which  reflect  the  light 
on  the  compass  card. 

Hatch  Coamings  are  the  parts  of  the  hatch  which 
extend  above  the  decks.  These  prevent  the  water 
from  getting  below.  The  hatch  is  an  opening  in 
the  decks  used  for  traffic  or  cargo. 

Well  is  a  certain  part  of  the  main  compartments 
where  all  the  water  gathers  to  be  pumped  out.  A 
sounding-tube  leads  to  the  upper  decks,  through 
which  the  sounding-rod  is  dropped  to  ascertain 
whether  the  ship  is  leaking.  The  suction-pipes 
from  the  pumps  are  also  located  in  the  well. 

Wildcat  is  a  heavy  slotted  casting  on  the  an- 
chor-engine into  which  the  links  of  the  anchor-chain 
fit  snugly  as  the  anchor  is  being  hoisted  or  dropped. 

Stopper  is  a  heavy  hook  with  a  long  shank,  one 
end  being  hooked  into  a  ring-bolt  and  the  balance 
lashed  against  the  anchor-chain,  thus  helping  to 
secure  it. 

The  Lead  is  a  heavy  lead  weight  with  a  small 
line  attached.     The  line  has  the  fathoms  marked 


1 16  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

on  it  at  intervals.  A  hole  in  the  bottom  of  the 
lead  is  filled  with  tallow  to  ascertain  the  nature  of 
the  bottom  of  the  sea.  If  the  bottom  of  the  sea 
is  muddy,  the  mud  will  stick  to  the  tallow. 

Armory  is  a  place  to  store  small  arms,  such  as 
rifles  and  pistols.  A  gunner's  mate  is  placed  in 
charge  of  the  armory. 

Store-rooms  on  the  ship  are  very  necessary,  and 
each  department  has  several.  They  are  kept  closed 
with  water-tight  doors. 

Double  Bottoms,  The  ship  has  practically  two 
bottoms,  independent  of  each  other,  and  the  space 
between  the  two  is  called  the  double  bottom. 
Fresh  water  can  be  carried  in  the  double  'bottom 
if  necessary. 

Trimming-tanks  are  located  at  the  extreme  ends 
of  the  ship.  When  the  ship  is  about  to  be  docked, 
the  trimming-tanks  are  filled  with  sea-water  in  order 
to  make  the  ship  set  level  in  the  water. 

Berth  Deck,  This  deck  extends  the  whole  length 
of  the  ship,  and  is  used  for  living  accommodations. 
On  this  deck  are  many  mess  tables  and  hammock 
hooks.     A  great   many  of  the    flood,   sluice,   and 


Nomenclature  of  the  Ship  117 

drain  valves  are  operated    from   this  deck.     It  is 
also  known  as  the  armored  or  protective  deck. 

Battle-hatches  are  made  of  heavy  steel  plates 
which  are  set  over  the  hatch  coamings  and  securely 
fastened.  Certain  hatches  are  cut  out  of  the  ar- 
mored deck,  which  are  very  heavy,  and  are  oper- 
ated by  tackles  or  mechanism. 

Orlop  Deck  is  located  below  the  armored  or  berth 
deck.  Ammunition-hoists  and  the  auxiliary  maga- 
zines are  located  here.  Ammunition-hatches  for 
the  intermediate  and  secondary  battery  guns  open 
up  on  this  deck,  all  ammunition  being  trolleyed 
to  the  different  hoists.  This  deck  is  below  the 
water-line,  and  is  protected  on  the  sides  by  the 
heavy  belts  of  armor  and  by  the  armored  deck 
overhead. 

Bulkheads  are  steel  walls  which  divide  the  ship 
into  compartments  and  store-rooms.  All  bulk- 
heads are  water-tight.  All  water-tight  doors  and 
hatches  fit  against  a  rubber  gasket. 

Main  Engines  are  those  used  for  propelling  the 
ship.  The  general  type  of  engine  in  use  is  the 
triple-expansion  upright  type. 

Twin  Screws  pertains  to  a  vessel  with  two  screws 
or  propellers.     This  type  of  ship  has  two  separate 


1 1 8  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

engines,  which  are  located  in  separate  compartments 
well  below  the  water-line. 


Throttle-valve  is  a  valve  of  the  steam-engine 
which  regulates  the  amount  of  steam  going  into 
the  steam-chest. 

Reversing-engine  is  a  small  engine  us  :d  to  throw 
the  reversing-links  over  on  the  main  engines. 
When  the  engines  are  to  be  reversed,  the  steam  is 
shut  off  and  the  reverse-links  are  thrown  over. 
This  changes  the  position  of  the  cut-off  in  the  steam- 
chest  and  causes  the  engines  to  revolve  in  the  op- 
posite direction  when  the  steam  is  turned  on. 

Fire-rooms  are  located  in  separate  compartments. 
The  steam-pipes  from  the  boilers  connect  with  the 
main  steam- pipe  which  leads  the  steam  to  the  main 
engines. 

Boilers  of  the  ship  are  located  below  the  water- 
line.  The  old-style  marine  boilers  have  many  tubes 
through  which  the  heat  from  the  fires  passes  to  heat 
the  water.  The  new  type  of  boiler  is  known  as 
**  water-tube  boiler."  The  water  is  inside  the 
tubes  and  the  heat  passes  around  them.  Thus  the 
steam  is  created  more  easily  and  is  of  a  much  higher 
pressure. 


Nomenclature  of  the  Ship  119 

Main  Shaft  is  made  up  in  sections  with  solid 
flanges,  which  are  securely  bolted  together.  This 
shaft  runs  from  the  engines  to  the  stern  of  the  ship. 
The  last  section  to  which  the  propeller  is  attached 
is  called  the  tail  shaft. 

Thrust-box,  The  first  section  of  the  main  shaft 
from  the  engines  has  several  large  collars  on  it. 
These  fit  snugly  into  the  thrust-box  and  thus  pre- 
vent the  shaft  from  working  in  and  out.  The 
thrust-box  bearing  is  kept  filled  with  oil  when  the 
engines  are  in  motion. 

Jac king-engine  is  a  small  engine  that  can  be  con- 
nected to  the  main  shaft  by  worm-gear.  When  in 
port  the  jacking-engine  is  used  to  turn  the  main  en- 
gines over  for  repairs,  etc. 

Auxiliary  Machinery  includes  all  the  machinery 
about  the  ship,  such  as  evaporators,  ice-machines, 
winches,  blower-engines,  dynamo-engines,  etc. 
When  in  port  only  one  boiler  or  set  of  boilers  is 
fired,  and  this  supplies  steam  to  the  auxiliary  ma- 
chinery. 

Steering-engine-room  is  located  at  the  after  end 
of  the  ship  well  below  the  water-line.  At  sea  a 
watch  is  stationed  in  the  steering-engine-room,  and 
should  anything  go  wrong   it    is    immediately  re- 


1 20  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

ported  to  the  officer  of  the  deck.  The  steering- 
engine  is  operated  by  moving  the  wheel  up  on  the 
bridge. 

Ward-room  is  located  on  the  after  part  of  the 
berth  deck.  It  is  a  spacious  compartment  where 
the  senior  officers  dine.  The  admiral  and  captain 
have  their  quarters  located  at  the  extreme  after 
end  of  the  ship. 

Chain-lockers  are  located  directly  under  the 
anchor-engine,  and  as  the  anchors  are  being  hoisted 
men  are  stationed  in  the  lockers  to  stow  away  the 
anchor-chain.  When  the  anchors  are  to  be  dropped 
the  men  are  ordered  to  keep  clear  of  the  chain- 
lockers  and  anchor-chain. 

Sand-locker  is  a  compartment  used  to  carry  sand. 
The  wooden  decks,  gratings,  boat-gear,  etc.,  are 
often  scrubbed  with  sand  and  canvas. 

Cat/alls  is  a  large  set  of  tackles  used  to  hoist 
and  cat  the  anchors.  Many  ships  use  a  patent 
anchor,  the  stock  of  which  is  housed  in  the  hawse- 
pipes. 

Mooring-swiveL  When  both  the  anchors  are  out 
the  anchor-chains  are  secured  to  the  mooring-swivel, 


>     1   J      '    ' 


c       c 
t  •      • 


C        C      t      »  4       * 


Nomenclature  of  the  Ship  121 

which  prevents  the  chains  from  getting  twisted  as 
the  ship  swings  with  the  tide. 

Chain-plates  are  wide  plates  which  are  secured  to 
the  decks  where  the  anchor-chains  pass  over,  and 
thus  protect  the  decks.  The  upper  decks  are  of 
wood,  which  is  bolted  to  the  steel  plating  under- 
neath. 

Turn  Buckle  is  a  metallic  device  with  threads  at 
either  end,  which  are  used  to  set  taut  cables,  rods, 
etc. 

Boatswain  s  Chair  is  a  short  board  with  a  line 
reeved  through  the  ends.  A  line  is  secured  to 
same,  and  this  chair  is  used  to  lower  a  person  over 
the  side  to  overhaul  the  rigging,  etc. 

Marlmspike  is  a  short  piece  of  iron  or  steel,  ta- 
pered at  one  end,  and  is  used  to  pry  open  strands 
of  a  rope  or  cable  for  splicing. 

Hammock  Netting  is  a  compartment  about  the 
superstructure  deck  where  the  crew  stow  their  ham- 
mocks. 

Palm  is  a  leather  band  that  fits  over  the  palm  of 
the  hand  and  is  used  for  sewing  canvas.     A  small 


122  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

metallic  disc  is  secured  to  the  center  of  the  band. 
The  head  of  the  sewing-needle  rests  against  this  disc 
as  the  needle  is  being  forced  through  the  canvas. 

Siren  is  one  of  the  ship's  steam-whistles,  and 
when  blown  creates  a  screeching  noise. 

Keelson  is  a  heavy  plating  built  over  the  ship's 
main  keel.  It  is  located  at  the  very  bottom  of  the 
ship,  and  is  used  to  strengthen  the  keel  and  the 
bottom  of  the  ship. 

Uptake  IS  a  section  of  the  boiler  that  leads  the 
smoke  to  the  smoke-stacks.  Many  of  the  large 
ships  have  smoke-stacks  one  hundred  feet  in  height 
from  their  base. 

Manhole  is  a  space  cut  out  of  the  boiler,  tank, 
etc.,  large  enough  to  admit  a  person  to  inspect  or 
repair  same. 

Water-line  is  a  horizontal  line  along  the  outside 
of  a  ship.  It  represents  the  ship's  natural  draught. 
A  corresponding  line  is  marked  on  the  ship's  in- 
terior. 

Snatch-block  is  a  block  which  is  hinged  on  the 
side.     This  style  of  block  saves  much  labor,  for  by 


Nomenclature  of  the  Ship  123 

opening  the  block  any  part  of  a  rope  can  be  set  in. 
With  the  old-style  block  the  rope's  end  had  to  be 
reeved  through. 

Reel  is  a  cylindrical  drum  used  to  coil  large  ropes 
or  fire-hose  on. 

Shackle  is  a  link  with  two  eyes  at  one  end ;  a 
pin  is  inserted  through  these  eyes  and  thus  a  link 
is  formed.  Shackles  are  used  to  connect  chains  to- 
gether, etc. 

Sextant  is  an  instrument  used  by  the  navigator 
to  measure  angular  distances  to  ascertain  the  longi- 
tude and  latitude. 

Stud  is  a  short  brace  in  the  center  of  each  anchor- 
chain  link,  and  is  used  mostly  on  large  chains. 
These  studs  give  the  chain  great  strength. 

Swab  consists  of  canvas  threads  secured  to  a 
handle,  and  is  used  to  dry  the  decks. 

Refrigerating  Rooms  are  used  to  store  fresh  meat 
and  other  perishable  goods.  The  interior  contains 
many  coils  of  cooling-pipes  which  are  connected 
with  the  ice-machines. 

Figurehead  is  a  design  fastened  to  the  stem  of 
the  ship.     The  styles  of  figureheads  vary.      Some 


1 24  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

consist  of  a  shield,  others  of  a  seal  of  the  State 
after  which  the  ship  is  named,  etc. 

Stern-post  is  an  upright  piece  of  metal  which  con- 
stitutes the  sfern  of  the  ship.  The  rudder  of  a 
twin-screw  ship  is  hinged  to  the  stern-post.  The 
extreme  opposite  end  of  the  ship  is  known  as  the 
stem  or  bow. 

Frames  are  the  steel  ribs  of  the  ship,  and  com- 
mence at  the  keel  and  curve  upward  to  the  extreme 
height  of  the  ship.  At  the  different  decks  deck- 
beams  cross  athwartship  and  are  well  secured  to  the 
frames. 

Starboard,  In  facing  toward  the  bow  of  the 
ship  the  right-hand  side  of  the  ship  is  called  star- 
board; the  left-hand  side  is  known  as  the  port 
side.  Amidships  pertains  to  the  middle  part  of 
the  ship ;   athwartships  signifies  across  the  ship. 

DRAINAGE   SYSTEM 

The  ship  is  one  mass  of  compartments  and  store- 
rooms. Each  contains  one  or  more  sluice-gates  or 
drain-valves.  All  the  minor  compartments  contain 
drains  which  lead  the  water  to  the  main  compart- 
ments, where  it  is  pumped  out.  The  main  com- 
partments contain  the  suction-pipes.     When  water 


Drainage  System  125 

is  found  in  any  of  the  compartments  it  is  reported 
to  the  engine-room  and  is  then  pumped  out.  In 
the  engine-  and  fire-rooms  are  several  large  pumps 
with  a  great  many  suction-pipes  which  lead  to  the 
many  compartments. 

By  opening  the  main  sluice-gates  the  water  can 
be  led  into  any  compartment  desired.  All  the 
sluice-gates  and  drain-valves  are  operated  from  the 
inclosed  decks,  the  stem  of  each  being  connected 
with  a  long  shaft.  All  these  valves  are  made  of 
heavy  brass  and  are  tested  regularly. 

A  socket-wrench  fits  over  the  shaft-head,  and  a 
dial-plate  gives  the  position  of  the  valve,  whether 
it  is  open  or  shut.  The  hand-pumps  of  the  ship 
can  also  be  connected  up  for  pumping  out  com- 
partments. These  pumps  are  operated  by  cog- 
gear  and  manned  by  the  crew.  They  may  also  be 
used  for  pumping  sea-water  for  fire  purposes,  etc. 
There  are  several  hundred  drain-  and  sluice-valves 
aboard  the  ship,  and  to  overhaul  and  test  them  re- 
quires several  days. 

When  in  tropical  waters  the  ship's  lower  hull 
sweats  a  great  deal.  This,  of  course,  causes  water 
to  form.  When  the  ship  is  inspected  by  the  ad- 
miral and  his  staff  every  nook  and  corner  of  the 
ship  is  thoroughly  noted  and  a  report  of  same  is 
forwarded  to  Washington. 


126  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 


VENTILATION    SYSTEM 

This  system  is  so  perfect  that  all  compartments, 
store-rooms,  and  magazines  are  kept  cool  and  com* 
fortable  at  all  times.  In  some  parts  of  the  ship 
two  systems  are  used :  one  supplies  the  fresh  air 
and  the  other  carries  away  the  foul  air. 

Special  care  is  taken  to  thoroughly  ventilate  the 
magazines  and  lower  compartments,  thus  making 
the  ship  quite  comfortable  between  decks. 

Located  in  different  parts  of  the  ship  are  huge 
blowers,  operated  by  steam  or  electricity.  Each 
blower  supplies  certain  sections  of  the  ship  with 
air.  In  case  a  compartment  or  magazine  should 
become  flooded  with  water,  it  could  not  back 
through  the  ventilating-pipes,  because  outside  the 
bulkheads  is  a  pocket  containing  a  hollow  ball  or 
float  which  rises  when  the  pocket  becomes  filled 
with  water.  The  pressure  forces  the  ball  or  float 
against  the  hole  in  the  air-pipe,  and  thus  prevents 
the  water  from  passing  through. 

In  time  of  action  all  battle-hatches  are  battened 
down,  and  the  large  amount  of  fresh  air  forced  into 
the  lower  parts  of  the  ship  makes  it  quite  comfort- 
able for  the  men  stationed  below  decks. 

The  fire-rooms  and  engine-rooms  have  many 
large  ventilators  extending  up  through  the  upper 
decks.     On  the  tops  of  these  ventilators  are  large 


Fresh  and  Salt  Water  Systems       127 

revolving  hoods,  which  are  faced  toward  the  wind. 
This  causes  the  heat  to  be  lessened  in  the  engine- 
and  fire-rooms.  When  at  sea  these  ventilators  are 
**  trimmed"  by  the  watch  on  deck,  should  it  be 
necessary. 

FRESH   AND    SALT   WATER   SYSTEMS 

A  complete  distilling  plant  is  installed  aboard  the 
ship.  Most  of  the  fresh  water  used  is  made  by  the 
evaporators.  Located  in  different  parts  of  the  ship 
are  fresh-water  tanks,  where  all  the  fresh  water  is 
stowed.  On  the  superstructure  deck  is  located  the 
supply-tank,  which  supplies  the  different  pipe-lines 
about  the  ship. 

Salt  water  is  pumped  into  the  evaporators  and 
comes  out  sweet  and  fresh.  All  foreign  substances 
in  the  water  are  destroyed  by  the  process  of  distilla- 
tion and  evaporation. 

The  drinking-tanks  are  cleaned  and  cemented 
regularly.  Below  are  the  main  tanks,  which  supply 
the  boilers  with  water.  Several  thousand  gallons 
of  water  are  used  daily  aboard  ship,  particularly 
when  at  sea. 

All  the  exhaust  steam  from  the  machinery  of  the 
ship  discharges  into  the  condensers,  which  contain 
a  large  number  of  small  tubes.  Salt  water  in  its 
cold  state  is  circulated  through  the  condensers. 
By  this  means  all  the  exhaust  steam  is  condensed. 


128  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

The  water  thus  condensed  is  filtered  and  used  again 
for  feed-water.  Were  it  not  for  the  condensing 
process  ships  would  be  unable  to  make  long  voy- 
ages, as  the  water-supply  would  soon  be  exhausted. 

The  sanitary  tank  is  also  located  on  the  super- 
structure deck.  The  salt  water  that  has  been  used 
for  cooling  purposes  by  the  ice-machines  and  evap- 
orators empties  into  this  tank.  The  water  from  the 
tank  is  used  mostly  for  flushing  purposes. 

The  piping  system  of  the  ship  is  a  complicated 
affair,  and  connections  are  so  made  that  by  regulat- 
ing certain  valves  the  supply  can  be  taken  from  any 
system  desired. 

DESCRIPTION   OF   UNITED  STATES  VESSELS 

The  following  lists  will  give  a  good  description  of 
all  vessels  of  3000  tons  displacement  or  more. 
Only  vessels  built  for  warships  are  included.  The 
auxiliary  cruisers,  supply-ships,  colliers,  etc.,  are 
omitted.  In  time  of  war  the  battleships  and  ar- 
mored cruisers  will  be  looked  upon  as  the  most  im- 
portant factors.  These  craft  are  capable  of  going 
anywhere  to  give  battle.  Colliers,  supply-ships, 
and  other  craft  are  used  to  perform  the  valuable 
services  for  which  they  are  designed. 

Take,  for  example,  a  fleet  of  warships  in  foreign 
waters.  These  vessels  must  be  supplied  with  coal 
and  other   things  without  which   they  cannot  get 


Description  of  United  States  Vessels   129 

along.  In  time  of  war  each  nation  is  thrown  on 
its  own  resources  to  supply  the  ships  with  coal, 
stores,  and  other  necessaries.  The  neutrality  laws 
do  not  allow  vessels  of  either  belligerent  to  stay  in 
a  port  over  a  specified  time.  During  this  time  the 
ships  are  allowed  to  take  on  only  enough  supplies 
to  last  them  until  they  reach  their  nearest  port. 

As  the  monitors  are  of  slow  speed,  poor  sea-boats, 
and  incapable  of  steaming  a  long  distance  with  their 
coal-supply,  they  are  therefore  used  for  harbor  and 
coast  defence  protection.  They  were  originally 
built  for  this  purpose.  No  more  monitors  are 
being  built,  since  the  powerful  sea-going  battleships 
and  armored  cruisers  are  taking  their  place. 

A  monthly  report  is  made  to  the  Navy  Depart- 
ment regarding  the  percentage  made  on  the  pro- 
gress of  each  ship  under  construction  at  the  various 
shipbuilding  yards. 

All  the  lists  and  tables  in  this  book  are  compiled 
from  the  data  obtained  from  the  *' Annual  Report 
of  the  Chief  of  Bureau  of  Construction  and  Repair 
for  the  Fiscal  Year  Ending  June  30,  1905."  The 
tables  of  the  battleships,  monitors,  and  the  pro- 
tected cruisers  are  brought  up  to  January  i,  1907. 
A  few  of  the  vessels  mentioned  will  not  be  com- 
missioned until  the  latter  part  of  the  present  year, 
1906.  Should  any  of  these  vessels  fail  to  be  com- 
missioned by  that  date,  it  would  matter  but  little, 


1 30  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

for  they  could  be  considered  as  practically  com- 
pleted. 

The  data  pertaining  to  the  vessels  mentioned 
may  vary  from  previous  or  future  lists,  since  the 
data  alter  in  minor  details  from  various  causes. 
For  example,  the  armored  cruiser  Pennsylvania  had 
a  contract  speed  of  twenty-two  knots,  and  the  horse- 
power to  be  developed  at  the  trial  trip  was  not  to 
be  less  than  23,000.  This  vessel  made  a  speed  of 
22.44  knots,  and  her  machinery  developed  28,600 
horse-power.  This  of  course  greatly  exceeded  the 
terms  specified  in  the  contract. 

The  data  of  several  of  the  ships  mentioned  per- 
tain to  the  terms  specified  in  the  contract.  After 
the  trial  trip  the  data  are  sometimes  changed  in  de- 
tail. In  most  instances  the  changes  look  favorable 
for  the  builders  of  the  vessel. 

The  length  of  the  ships  is  given  in  even  feet. 
The  shape  and  type  of  a  vessel  sometimes  make 
vessels  of  the  same  length  appear  to  be  different. 

The  column  marked  **  one  shot  "  signifies  the 
total  weight  in  pounds  of  the  projectiles  fired  from 
the  main  battery  of  each  ship,  each  gun  firing 
once. 

The  fighting  qualities  of  a  ship  cannot  be  judged 
by  the  weight  of  projectiles  only,  although  these 
represent  a  very  important  factor. 

A  twelve-inch  shell  weighs  250  pounds  less  than 


Description  of  United  States  Vessels   131 

a  thirteen-inch  one.  Still  a  twelve-inch  gun  is 
more  powerful  and  destructive  than  a  thirteen-inch 
gun.  For  this  reason  the  newer  types  of  ships  are 
equipped  with  twelve-inch  guns.  The  total  num- 
ber of  guns  in  the  secondary  battery  is  given,  which 
includes  the  small  portable  guns  that  are  used  by 
the  battalion  in  landing-parties,  etc. 

The  table  entitled  *'  Summary  of  Important  Ves- 
sels Built  "  will  give  a  good  idea  of  the  vessels 
which  are  built. 

Gunboats  under  500  tons,  colliers,  supply-ships, 
and  other  craft  are  omitted  from  the  list.  Were 
these  included,  their  data  would  greatly  increase 
the  total  of  the  other  ships  mentioned  in  the  list. 

All  the  ships  mentioned  in  the  lists  are  not  act- 
ually in  commission  at  the  same  time.  Some  of 
them  may  be  out  of  commission  temporarily ;  oth- 
ers may  be  at  the  navy-yard  being  overhauled ; 
perhaps  some  are  laid  up  with  the  reserve  fleet. 
Vessels  attached  to  the  reserve  fleet  may  be  quickly 
utilized,  since  the  skeleton  crew  are  kept  aboard  to 
keep  the  ship  in  order.  In  time  of  war  all  availa- 
ble fighting  craft  would  be  quickly  assembled  and 
formed  into  fleets,  squadrons,  and  divisions. 

The  object  in  compiling  these  lists  and  tables 
was  to  give  the  reader  an  accurate  idea  of  the  data 
pertaining  to  the  important  ships  of  the  Navy. 
The  data  will  no  doubt  prove  to  be  of  great  value 


132  The  American  Battleship  in  G>mmission 

for  reference.  Through  the  courtesy  of  the  Chief 
Constructor  of  the  United  States  Navy,  the  author 
was  allowed  to  forward  all  this  data  pertaining  to  ves- 
sels of  the  Navy  to  the  Bureau  of  Construction  and 
Repair  for  such  revision  as  might  be  practicable. 
The  data  in  general  were  found  to  be  correct  in  all 
essentials,  only  a  few  minor  corrections  being  noted. 


M 

« 

CO 

•^f 

«n 

«o 

Cx. 

oo 

o» 

o 

M 

UIBJM  (sqi) 

5 

c^ 

1 

1 

1 

N§ 

8 

1 

1 

8 

joqs  3UO 

t^ 

t^ 

o 

vO 

vO 

vO 

vO 

NO 

vO 

vO 

tn 

(« 

</3 

(/} 

(« 

tn 

tn 

tfj 

in 

tn 

XjBpUODaS  UT 

c 

60 

C 
60 

c 

60 

6/) 

c 

60 

C 

3 
60 

C 
60 

c 

60 

C 
bo 

§ 

60 

sun£)  JO  -o^ 

o 

O 

w 

N 

N 

N 

N 

On 

w 

On 

ir> 

u-> 

•^ 

Tj- 

■rf 

^ 

•rl- 

N 

CO 

W 

, 

C 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

t 

t 

vO 
1 

i^ 

n 

c« 

A 

N 

a 

N 

a 

Tf 

'Jl- 

^ 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

N  CO 

N  OO 

N  CO 

N  CO 

a  CO 

N  CO 

d  CO 

coco 

coco 

COCO 

c^ 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

'"' 

4o[) 

4ol> 

Tl-OO 

4o!) 

itoL 

4o!> 

4ci 

4ci 

4ci 

4o!) 

uoissirauio3 

t 

t 

^ 

^ 

^ 

1 

^ 

IT) 

On 

^ 

^ 

jo  aB3A 

O 

o^ 

ON 

ON 

ON 

OO 

CO 

CO 

(SIOUX) 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

« 

^ 

paads 

oo 

M 

CO 

On 

ON 

ON 

On 

On 

M 

NO 

M 

NO 

M 

8 

xn 

O 

Q 

Q 

Q 

Q 

Q 

t^ 

o 

r^ 

aaMod 

?n 

g 

g 

g 

g 

g 

s 

;^ 

?? 

-3SJOH 

o" 

vO 

C> 

<> 

C?" 

oi 

o. 

s 

o" 

t-< 

M 

»H 

(IBOIJOK) 

Q 

Q 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

oo 

CO 

CO 

(suox) 

g 

g 

^ 

^ 

;^ 

^ 

;^ 

*s 

oo 

CO 

-SOBldSIQ 

M 

vO 

^ 

J* 

^ 

^ 

o 

M 

O 

M 

O 

M 

O 

O 

N 

N 

a 

N 

N 

o 

o 

o 

uaj^ 

rf 

Tj- 

t^ 

t^ 

i^ 

r^ 

r-» 

CO 

CO 

CO 

oo 

co 

r^ 

t^ 

r^ 

t^ 

t-^ 

u^ 

\n 

IT) 

SJ3DIUO 

^ 

M 

^ 

% 

^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

CO 

CO 

Ui 

!fl 

w 

tfi 

(fi 

(/) 

(fl 

in 

(fl 

Ui 

W    D 

«n  1) 

(«    4) 

tn  V 

tf)    (U 

tn  (u 

(A  a> 

u 

V 

V 

spuunj 

^  5 

S  c 

:?;  c 

m   C 

m   C 

«^  c 

1^  c 

t^  C 

^  ° 

^  5 

puB  Si^ 

II 

il 

II 

II 

II 

II 

II 

SnS 

6^ 

c«cnNc<^e<enNcnNcoNcnNco 

M    N 

M     N 

M     W 

mpB3je 

o 
I^ 

s 

nS^ 

s 

HB  J3AO 

in 

M 

M 

M 

5 

u-> 

CO 

u-> 

CO 

73 

<n 

nJ 

•M 

o 

ctf 

S5 

C 

Si 

n.  I, 
ttles 
rst-c 

Nam 

.2 

c 

(O 

'5 

C 

C 
O 
60 

A5£ 

13 

o 

c 
o 

o 

0) 

O 

iif' 

cS 

J 

u 

O 

:z; 

^z; 

Pt^ 

> 

:^ 

O 

M 

N 

CO 

-«4- 

ift 

«o 

t^ 

00 

o» 

o 

M 

J 

>" 

•—I 

I— • 

W 

H 
H 

pq 


M 

M 

H 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

00 

M 

o> 

M 

s 

XjajiBQ 

R 

R 

^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

R 

8 

CO 

8 

UIBW  (sqi) 

CO 

oo 

OO 

o 

o 

o 

M 

M 

m 

tn 

5oqs  3UO 

in 

ir> 

in 

m 

m 

in 

vO 

NO 

in 

d 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

tf] 

(A 

(A 

«A 

JA 

(A 

XjBpU039S  UI 

c 

C 

!3 

bA 

bo 

C 
bO 

C 

a 

G 

c 
bo 

c 
bo 

bO 

suno  JO   oij 

o» 

CO 

CO 

r*- 

o 

rt 

CO 

Tt 

O 

e« 

CI 

w 

d 

d 

e» 

N 

tn 

tn 

tn 

c» 

, 

a 

C 

d 

C* 

C 

c 

C 

d 

d 

d 

1 

a 

I 

1 

1 

2 

1 

1 

4 

M 

4 

M 

I 

2 

a 

c 

c 

c 

c 

c 

d  d 

d  d 

d  d 

d 

1 

2- 

CO 

en 

tn 

N 

w 

« 

tnoo 

tnoo 

d  CO 

« 

c^ 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

4 

4 

4 

4 

•^ 

4t 

444f4i-4hci 

t^ 

uoissitnuio^ 

8 

o 

1 

S 

? 

1 

8 

g 

ON 

in 

On 

JO  aB3A 

ON 
M 

ON 

M 

ON 

ON 

ON 
M 

M 

CO 

M 

CO 

M 

(sjoux) 
paads 

ir> 

M 

8 

CO 

in 

M 
OO* 

8 

H 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

t^ 

r^ 

M 

m 

in 

O 

On 

OO 

tn 

I^ 

JtSMOd 

s 

nS 

<^ 

t^ 

CO 

^ 

s> 

-asjoH 

M 

CI 

ci 

M 

IT) 

M 

in 

vO" 

« 

M 
M 

M 

M 

OO 

(IBUIJON) 

(suox) 

5U3ra 

-aoBidsiQ 

u-> 

in 

8 

8 

8 

§ 

s 

vO 

in 

M 

tn 

\n 

\n 

in 

in 

\n 

m 

in 

tn 

tn 

M 

M 

H 

M 
M 

N 

M 

M 
M 

H 

M 

M 

M 

NO 

o 

vO 

On 

N 

O 

On 

M 

M 

r^ 

tn 

uaw 

r^ 

\n 

s 

t^ 

■^ 

in 

m 

in 

M 

»^ 

vO 

vO 

r^ 

t^ 

t^ 

vO 

NO 

NO 

-"I- 

SJSDiyO 

1    tn 

^ 

s 

in 

^ 

rt 

in 
tn 

^ 

in 

en 

^ 

(A 

«n 

CA 

«A 

(A 

tn 

tA 

(A 

<A 

tn  a> 

tn   a; 

tn  V 

CA    V 

(A    l> 

tf)    4) 

(A    U 

tA     U 

0) 

<A  a> 

PUBJSJH 

II 

11 

11 

11 

SO 

65 

Sg 
65 

10 

E5 

Sg 

11 

«  5 

M    « 

N    M 

N    N 

NcnwtnNcnwN 

N    N 

M  e« 

W     M 

qipBajg 

1^ 

W 

r^ 

N^ 

IIB  J9AO 

qi3u3T 

s 

^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

in 

in 

CI 

NO 

8^ 

tn 

CO 

tn 

m 

en 

tn 

tn 

tn 

en 

tn 

tA 

C 

C 

c4 

19 

1 

•a 

iir 

< 

o 

.s 

o 

i 

o 

1 

S3 

C 
o 

Nil 

i 

9  «« 

M 
M 

M 

CO 

M 

M 

if) 

M 

M 

00 

M 

M 

s 

"•^ 

»■ 

o  «> 

li 

«  *i 

Kg 


M 

« 

CO 

^ 

m 

lO 

f* 

00 

Ok       o 

Aja^jBg 

g 

^ 

R 

o 

^ 

^ 

1 

1 

8     8 

uiBiM  (•sq7) 

^ 

rt- 

■* 

■^ 

Tt 

Tf 

O        in 

loqs  3UO 

w 

M 

w 

N 

« 

N 

to 

CO 

CI              M 

Ui 

(A 

(A 

«A 

«A 

CA 

(A 

(A 

CA           <A 

XjBpuooas  ui 

a 

bo 

G 

bo 

c 

bo 

bo 

c 
bo 

bo 

bo 

c 
bo 

a      c 
bo       bo 

sun£)  JO  "o^ 

oo 

oo 

oo 

oo 

oo 

oo 

oo 

CO 

CO        O 

Tj- 

•5t 

Tj- 

>* 

'^ 

'^ 

Tj- 

Tl- 

d             M 

1 

d 

G 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d      d 

>« 

"S** 

1 

2-^ 
n 

1 

1 

I 

1 

M 

1 

2 

M 

w       6 

M             M 

^rn 

d 

C 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d       d 

00 

00 

oo 

oo 

oo 

oo 

o 

o 

oo       oo 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

4 

J,    4 

uoissitnxno^ 

jo  iH3A 

I 

in 

1 

1 

M              M 

O            CO 
M             M 

(SIOUX) 

paads 

8 

^ 

^ 

? 

8 

in 

M 

8 

8 

3>    8 

« 

N 

N 

e* 

N 

M 

o 

« 

M            M 

e» 

« 

N 

N 

« 

« 

« 

N 

N          N 

Q 

r^ 

a> 

O 

Q 

\r> 

Q 

Q 

in       \n 

J3MOd 

g 

oo 

o* 

s 

^ 

c<i 

g 

g 

^  s- 

-3SJOH 

r^ 

o 

oo 

oo 

cn 

vO 

CO 

CO 

oo        t^ 

N 

N 

p< 

(N 

M 

N 

ei 

PI 

M              M 

(lBcajo^[) 

O 

o 

O 

O 

o 

o 

I 

1 

in        O 

(suox) 

oo 

oo 

oo 

oo 

o 

oo 

oo 
O 

M        in 

«             M 

-aoBidsiQ 

o^ 

M 

M 

to 

M 

to 

M 

CO 

M 

;? 

M 

0>      oo 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

,_4 

o 

O^ 

O         m 

uaj^ 

O 

O 

ON 

O 

ON 

ON 

oo 

OO 

in       CO 

r^ 

t^ 

r- 

t^ 

t^ 

t^ 

r* 

\n        in 

SJI3D^O 

^ 

^ 

^ 

"^l- 

•^ 

-"t 

^ 

Tt 

:^   ?; 

(A 

(A 

«A 

Ui 

(A 

CA 

CA 

(A            CA 

(A    0) 

(A  a> 

(A    1> 

(A     1) 

Ui    V 

tA    U 

(A    0) 

(A     0) 

0)  CA  a; 

spuunj 

pUB  3lH 

«  5 

1;^  S 

so 

s§ 

^g 

«  5  «  5 

(4    C    c4    C 

aa 

S5 

65 

Ba 

85 

S3 

S^ 

e^ 

S^B^ 

NTj-NT^ei'tN'^Mrt-Nr^NrfNTfMcnNr^    | 

mpeajg 

R 

R 

R 

R 

R 

R 

?^ 

?:! 

m        o 

UB  J3AO 

Ti- 

-* 

"^ 

rt 

"* 

-* 

'!t- 

CO         ^ 

o 

in 

O 

O 

O 

O 

o 

in 

o 

\n 

%       % 

cd 

ctf 

ci 

lis  « 

a 

o 

•O 

> 

o 

G 

C 

o 

bo 

G 

1 

G       -S 

Jan.  z, 
Armo 
Cruia 

Nam 

1 

u 

1 

O 

U 

(A 

c 
c 

> 

V 

G 
G 

Brookly 
New  Yo 

M 

M 

« 

yt 

m 

<o 

tH 

00 

OI       o 

1 

M 

^ 

^ 

OS 

M    V 

•-0 


0  u 

E3 

«  u 

o 
H 


H 

3 

W 

O 

H 
t— 1 

o 


H 

c« 

« 

■* 

10 

VD 

t^ 

00 

o\ 

0 

M 

UTHJM  (-sqq) 

CI 

CO 

to 

CO 

C'l 

to 

CO 

CI 

to 

CO 

1 

§ 

1 

d 

to 

I 

CO 

in 

5oqs  3UO 

m" 

i_r 

m" 

m" 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

to 

(fl 

(/I 

(A 

(/] 

(A 

WJ 

in 

«n 

(A 

iA 

XjBpuooas  ui 

;3 

C 
3 

C 

^ 

C 
:3 

c 

c 
3 

c 
0 

bo 

bfl 

he 

tt) 

bo 

bO 

bo 

bo 

bo 

bo 

sunf)  JO  -ojsi 

to 

to 

M 

to 

to 

M 

to 

M 

0 

CO 

CO 

d 

0 

, 

c 

c 

d 

c 

C 

C 

d 

d 

>^ 

-a  0 

"-' 

•-* 

•'"' 

ia^ 

^ 

•<^ 

T*" 

■^ 

■^ 

'^ 

1*- 

Th 

1 

4 

4 

4 

4 

d 

1 
d 

4 

si 

0 
Ji 

c 

C3 

c 

c 

c 

c 

C 

c 

c 

c  c 

c 

3  cr 

M 

N 

CI 

CI 

0 

0 

0 

0 

d  0 

d 

§ 

c  ^ 

M 

M 

M 

I-" 

i 

N 

d 

c'l 

4 

'=»• 

^ 

4 

(^  c!i 

rt 

5 

to 

CI 

in 

vO 

0 

to 

0 

UOISSIUIIU03 

jo  iB3A 

8^ 

& 

a 

M 

0 

CO 

0 

CO 

0 
CO 

^ 

0 

■«t 

0 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

0 

M 

(s^ou^) 

0 

rf 

0 

CO 

m 

m 

in 

0 

Tf- 

..> 

paads 

w 

N 

to 

M 

0 

0 

d 

0 

to 

d 

JSMOd 

^ 

r^ 

0 

to 
to 

0 
0 

0 

in 
to 

1 

^ 

^ 

§ 

1 

f 

8 

1* 

-3SJOH 

« 

N 

M 

CI 

M 

M 

to 

M 

in 

to 

(IBUIJON^) 

(suoX) 

10 
N 
CI 

in 
w 
CI 

in 
d 

d 

% 
0 

1 

1 

1 

CO 

0 

s 

0 

0 

3U3UI 

-aoBidsiQ 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

to 

■^ 

vO 

uaji^ 

g^ 

8^ 

^ 

^ 

to 

M 

Tt 
0 

in 

0 

.^ 

m 

00 

s 

C^ 

N 

d 

d 

M 

d 

IH 

at 

CO 

to 

to 

CO 

0 

't 

rl- 

•^ 

d 

to 

SJ33iyO 

d 

d 

n 

"4; 

'o) 

'oJ 

u 

"o 

"u 

13 

% 

(U 

4J 

§ 

puBiJ|^ 

M     l-l 

M     M 

OS    C 

M     M 

M     M 

M     l-l 

1 

2 

mp^aaa 

0 

a 

?> 

s> 

in 
in 

in 

in 

in 
in 

in 
\n 

0 

in 

S 

8 

IIB  J3AO 

qi3u37 

in 

vr> 

U-) 

in 

to 

to 

CI 

to 

i_i 

0 

t 

ir> 

ir> 

in 

in 

0 

vO 

0 

vO 

0 

On 

n 

N 

M 

CI 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

d 

«o 

^ 

Is  ., 

(A 

bo 

0 

0 

s 

0 

0 

>. 

£ 
0 

•^     C       rt 

g|  ^ 

C 

0 

> 

c 

's 

0 

+-> 

*^ 

a, 

a 

c 
0 

c 

C 
0 

2 
>-• 

0 

c 

13 

a 

0 

2 

< 

fe 

"^ 

< 

iS 

S 

H 

^ 

cu 

CO 

M 

C4 

CO 

"* 

\n 

«o 

l> 

00 

cn 

0 

^^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

M 

H 

Y~ 

H 

ei 

<n 

^ 

in 

lO 

t> 

00 

o» 

o 

M 

M 
M 

Aja^Bg 

8 

s 

s 

R 

8 

g 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 

utBiM  (-sqq) 

u-> 

»n 

M 

M 

rt 

rt 

^ 

in 

in 

in 

loqs  3UO 

M 

m" 

M 

M 

M 

w 

t/i 

t« 

tn 

cn 

tn 

in 

in 

in 

tn 

m 

if  jBpuooas  ui 

C 

bo 

G 

C 

bo 

bo 

bo 

C 
bo 

C 
bo 

C 
bo 

bo 

C 
bo 

C 
bo 

SUtlf)  JO   -o^ 

\n 

in 

t<^ 

en 

rt 

rt 

rt 

in 

m 

in 

in 

M 

M 

M 

M 

in 

m 

in 

M 

M 

M 

C 

C 

I 

2 

« 

C 

G 

c: 

c 

c 

C 

C 

C 

c 

c 

c 

C 

\n 

lO 

CO 

oo 

vO 

o 

vO 

in 

'  V^ 

in 

in 

A 

A 

1 

CI 

1 

4 

J. 

4 

i 

i 

i 

i 

M 

M 

»H 

M 

uoissiaiuio3 

8 

CO 

ON 

^ 

CO 

in 

O 

-g 

■g 

3^ 

CO 

o 

^ 

? 

JO  aB3A 

o 

CO 

CO 

CO 

O 

C^ 

ON 

iiT 

o 

M 

o» 

(S50UM) 

5, 

8 

-8 

2 

? 

8 

8 

in 

O 

in 

rt 

in 

in 

vO 

pasds 

o 

O 

in 

in 

c< 

CI 

w 

o 

vO 

o 

vO 

C4 

N 

M 

M 

w 

d 

CI 

tH 

•H 

J3MOd 

1 

s 

8 

in 

8 

CO 

8 

§ 

§ 

I 

SO 

in 

CO 

CO 

-asaoH 

t^ 

r^ 

CO 

■^ 

N 

M 

in 

rt 

O 

m 

(IBUIJOK) 
(suox) 

§ 

§ 

1 

8 

8 

8 

CI 

8 

CI 

8 

d 

8 

d 

luaui 

-33BldsiQ 

C^ 

f^ 

to 

CO 

S 

o 

o 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

O 

O 

in 

r^ 

r^ 

t^ 

r^ 

IH 

o 

o 

O 

U3IM 

d 

N 

oo 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

d 

CI 

d 

d 

c«^ 

t^ 

N 

c^ 

o 

o 

o 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

sjaoiyo 

C> 

O 

<:> 

CJ 

o 

o 

o 

a- 

o 

On 

On 

M 

CO 

CO 

CO 

M 

M 

M 

i-< 

tfi 

t/j 

in 

U3 

(n 

in 

tfi 

in 

in 

in 

t/l    V 

t/)    i> 

tn   (u 

«n   4) 

in    (U 

in  (L) 

tn   4> 

in  0) 

tn   t) 

tn   V 

tn  (L) 

spuunj 

II 

il 

II 

II 

II 

rt   C 

rt   C 

6^ 

II 

^   5 

II 

II 

Cl    M 

C<    N 

N    N 

N  e< 

NrtartCl'tWCI 

CI    d 

d  d 

d  d 

mpBajg 

^ 

rt 

-t 

rt 

2 

^ 

^ 

rt 

-t 

% 

rt 

5 

IIB  J3AO 

^ 

CO 
CO 

oo 
CO 

CI 

CI 

O 

o 

8^ 

g^ 

CO 

cn 

w 

CI 

^ 

rt 

'^ 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

an.  I,  zgo7 
Protected 
Cruisers 

Name 

C 

C 

o 

d 
rt 

d 

2 

en 

C 

o 

(A 

rt 

rt 

tn 

rt 

C 
rt 

c 
> 

> 

c 

tn 

^C 

*o 

:s 

tn 

»->' 

(U 

'♦J 

O 

J3 

S 

• 

jC 

V 

V 

< 

z 

< 

PQ 

CJ 

(/) 

O 

U 

Q 

Q 

M 

M 

CO 

^ 

in 

lO 

t^ 

00 

o» 

o 

M 

M 
M 

' 

' 

^ 

^                  1 

M 

to 

M 

^ 

in 

M 

H 

00 

M 

Ol 

H 

s 

H 

s . 

XasjiBg 

R 

8 

,9, 

Pn 

-^ 

rj- 

^ 

<^ 

8 

8 

8 

uiBiv  (-sqi) 

m 

xn 

in 

in 

t^ 

t^ 

c« 

C4 

« 

r-. 

in 

loqs  auQ 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

(A 

(A 

(A 

tA 

(A 

(A 

(A 

tf) 

lA 

«A 

(A 

<JT5pU033S  ui 

d 
bo 

si 
bo 

bo 

bfl 

c 

bo 

bo 

PI 

bo 

c 
bo 

c 
d 
bo 

bo 

c 
bo 

sunf)  JO  -oi^ 

in 

in 

CO 

CO 

o 

t^ 

M 

vO 

M 

rf 

o 

M 

M 

M 

M 

W 

N 

w 

c 

c 

C 

c 

& 

Tf 

"* 

in 

in 

ri 

C^) 

^ 

4f 

i 

« 

^ 

C 

c 

C3 

C 

c 

C    C 

c  c 

C 

c 

c 

c 

C 

H 

1-5 

•3 

X 

in 

1 

m 

1 

CO  O  CO  \0 

i' 

t 

t 

OO 

1 

CO 

1 

HH 

M 

M 

M    N 

M    C< 

c« 

CI 

W 

-"t 

^ 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

M 

uoissirauio3 

O 

^ 

^ 

^ 

^ 

3; 

ON 

% 

a 

^ 

m 

ON 

jo  JB3A 

o> 

^ 

OO 

OO 

OO 

M 

CO 

M 

OO 

M 

f4 

(S50UX) 

'^ 

OO 

xn 

8 

8 

& 

s- 

8 

in 

o 

M 

8 

nS^ 

paads 

vO 

O 

O 

ON 

« 

CO 

On 

O 

O 

CO 

M 

l-H 

M 

M 

M 

M 

w 

M 

M 

d 

jaMod 

OO 
OO 
CI 

% 
M 

8 

in 

^ 

OO 

§ 

1 

^ 

-3SJOH 

XT) 

tn 

OO 

OO 

OO 

O 

OO 

ON 

OO 

ON 

t-' 

^ 

u 

esi 

M 

(l^UUOM) 

(suox) 

8 

8 

CO 
00 

M 

CO 
OO 

o 

m 

CO 

O 
in 

CO 

CO 

§ 

CO 

M 

8 

in 

vO 
OO 

luara 
-aDBjdsia 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

t^ 

r^ 

"T 

Tl- 

■^ 

""t 

in 

C4 

o 

C4 

N 

o 

o 

CO 

M 

CO 

O 

rt 

H 

uajM 

W 

N 

O 

o 

M 

o 

CO 

in 

'  •^ 

in 

CO 

CO 

CO 

CO 

rl- 

"* 

CO 

CO 

CO 

tT 

"* 

O 

O 

o^ 

o 

o 

OO 

CO 

in 

On 

o 

C4 

O 

w 

saaogjo 

N 

(N 

« 

CO 

CO 

M 

CO 

CO 

CO 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

(A 

H 

(A    V 

lA    4> 

O 

(A    4> 

xn  4> 

tA     (U 

m  <u 

(A    (U 

(A    V 

(A    V 

tA    O 

O 

siauunj 
puB3iH 

«;;  G 

t;;!  c 

w  c 

t;J  c 

«;  C 

t?;  c 

t;;  c 

Ik  c 

1?;  c 

t;;  c 

rr.  C 

^ 
^ 

6^ 

el 

£3 

1  = 

l5 

11 

It 

l5 

N  N 

e«  N 

M     N 

N    N 

e«  -^  «  N 

W    CJ 

M    N 

C«    CI 

M    d 

d  d 

mpBajg 

s 

4: 

CJ 

00 
»n 

CO 

^ 

^ 

^ 

OO 

CO 

in 

n«  J3AO 

I 

I 

CO 

\ 

CO 

M 

CO 

M 

OO 
CO 

in 

CO 

in 

CO 
CO 

1 

S 

Hm 

1 

fA 

A 

C3 

3 

1 

^ 

o 
u 

(A 

*G 

c 

2 

S 

o 

rt 

ji«' 

13 

O 
o 

C 

C 

bp 

13 

a 

'o 

c 
.2 

4) 

6 

13 

bo 

2 

cx, 

o 

H 

U 

P!j 

U 

i5 

^ 

c^ 

m 

u 

O 

H 

CO 

H 

H 

M 

M 

00 

M 

S 

M 

How  the  Navy  has  Grown  in  Twelve  Years  1 39 


HOW   THE    NAVY    HAS    GROWN   IN   TWELVE 
YEARS 

The  following  tables  will  demonstrate  the  growth 
of  the  Navy  covering  a  period  of  twelve  years. 
The  first  table  includes  all  the  armored  cruisers, 
monitors,  and  protected  cruisers  that  were  in  com- 
mission previous  to  December  31,  1894.  Vessels 
of  3000  tons  displacement  or  more  are  mentioned 
in  the  tables.  Auxiliary  cruisers,  gunboats,  and 
other  less  important  craft  are  omitted  from  the  ta- 
bles. These  were  looked  upon  a  dozen  years  ago 
as  powerful  fighting  ships,  but  they  cannot  com- 
pare with  modern  vessels. 

By  referring  to  the  weight  of  projectiles  fired 
from  one  of  our  latest  type  of  battleships,  it  will  be 
seen  to  equal  what  the  eleven  large  gunboats,  three 
composite  gunboats,  three  light-draught  gunboats, 
three  unprotected  cruisers,  and  five  auxiliary  cruisers 
can  fire  from  their  main  battery.  The  battleship 
has  many  other  points  of  advantage  besides  that 
of  firing  projectiles. 

When  the  expense  of  operating  these  thirty  ships 
is  compared  with  that  of  a  battleship,  the  books 
will  show  a  balance  greatly  in  favor  of  the  latter. 
This  fact  demonstrates  that  the  battleship  is  not 
only  the  most  valuable  in  war,  but  also  cheaper. 

The  aggregate   tonnage   of  these  thirty  vessels 


I40  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

mentioned  in  the  table  under  **  Summary  of  Im^ 
portant  Vessels  Built"  is  61,686  tons.  The  num- 
ber of  officers  required  is  410;  men  required,  5428. 
The  tonnage  of  our  latest  type  of  battleship  that  is 
now  in  commission  is  16,000,  and  the  ship  carries 
a  complement  of  41  officers  and  840  men. 

Previous  to  1894  no  battleships  were  in  commis- 
sion. When  the  second-class  battleships,  Texas  and 
MainCy  and  the  first-class  battleships,  Oregon,  Indi- 
ana, and  Massachusetts,  were  commissioned,  they 
were  regarded  as  great  fighting-machines.  Our 
latest  type  of  battleship,  however,  greatly  exceeds 
the  older  type  of  vessels  in  various  ways. 

In  time  of  war  the  older  type  of  ships  would, 
perhaps,  be  put  in  a  squadron  by  themselves.  This 
would  permit  the  larger  and  more  powerful  type  to 
work  to  better  advantage  by  themselves.  Of  course, 
should  a  battle  be  imminent,  all  the  fighting  units 
would  be  concentrated,  since  the  Navy  does  not 
fight  naval  engagements  on  the  instalment  plan  in 
these  days. 

The  following  changes  have  been  made  in  the 
tables:  The  data  pertaining  to  the  Maine  (old 
Maine)  are  included  in  the  tables  up  to  1898.  After 
this  date  the  data  are  deducted,  since  the  Maine  was 
lost  in  the  early  part  of  1898  in  the  harbor  of  Ha- 
vana. The  data  of  the  protected  cruiser  Charleston 
(old  Charleston)  are  included  in  the  tables  up  to 


J     ,  i  \>  '     > 


How  the  Navy  has  Grown  in  Twelve  Years  1 4 1 

1900.  The  Charleston  was  lost  in  the  Philippines 
during  the  year  1899.  The  protected  cruiser 
Philadelphia  is  also  included  in  the  tables  up  to 
1902.  After  this  date  the  data  are  deducted,  since 
the  Philadelphia  is  now  used  as  a  receiving-ship  at 
the  Puget  Sound  navy-yard. 

Since  only  vessels  on  the  active  list  are  included 
in  the  tables,  it  would  be  misleading  to  carry  on 
the  data  of  vessels  which  were  lost  or  not  carried 
on  the  active  list.  Our  older  type  of  ships  were 
rated  in  a  higher  class  until  a  few  years  ago.  At 
the  present  time  only  battleships  and  armored 
cruisers  are  classed  as  vessels  of  the  first  rate 

(1894) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

1  Armored  Cruiser 

2  Monitors 

II  Protected  Cruisers 

8,150 
8,074 

48.558 

34 
30 

288 

535 

379 

3,843 

1,896 

4.700 

11,288 

Total,  14  Ships 

64,782 

352 

4,757 

17,884 

(1896) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

5  Battleships 

2  Armored  Cruisers 

6  Monitors 

13  Protected  Cruisers 

43.861 

17,365 
26,104 

58,153 

157 

75 

103 

338 

2,556 
1,085 
1,109 

4,583 

25,300 

4,496 

14,562 

13,828 

Total,  26  Ships 

145,483 

673 

9.333 

58,186 

142  The  American  Battleship  in  Qtmmission 


(1898) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

5  Battleships 

2  Armored  Cruisers 

6  Monitors 

14  Protected  Cruist 

48,525 
17,365 
26,104 
61,583 

161 

75 
103 

357 

2,830 
1,085 
1,109 
4,912 

28,298 

4,496 

14,562 

14,328 

Total,  27  Ships 

153,577 

696 

9,936 

61,684 

(1900) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

8  Battleships 
2  Armored  Cruisers 
6  Monitors 
14  Protected  Cruisers 

83,117 
17,365 
26,104 
61,283 

269 

75 

103 

356 

4,811 
1,085 
1,109 
4,955 

46,290 

4,496 

14,562 

13,728 

Total,  30  Ships 

187,869 

803 

11,960 

79,076 

(1902) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

II  Battleships 

2  Armored  Cruisers 

8  Monitors 
14  Protected  Cruisers 

118,721 
17,365 
32,554 
61,283 

372 

75 

129 

356 

6,908 
1,085 
1,527 
4,955 

62,890 

4,496 

18,226 

13,728 

Total,  35  Ships 

229,923 

932 

14,475 

99.340 

(1904) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

13  Battleships 
2  Armored  Cruisers 
10  Monitors 
18  Protected  Cruisers 

143,721 
17,365 
39,004 
72,870 

453 

75 

155 

421 

8,407 
1,085 

1,945 
6,203 

72,898 

4,496 

21,890 

15,028 

Total,  43  Ships 

272,960 

1,104 

17,640 

114,312 

Vessels  Under  G)nstruction 


143 


(1906) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

20  Battleships 

10  Armored  Cruisers 

10  Monitors 

22  Protected  Cruisers 

250,461 
128,445 

39.004 
105,170 

735 
401 

155 

548 

13,947 
7,409 
1,945 
8,436 

120,658 
26,096 
21,890 
19,728 

Total,  62  Ships 

523,080 

1,839 

31,737 

188,372 

VESSELS   UNDER   CONSTRUCTION* 

(Jan.  I,  1907) 


Displace- 

Name 

Type 

ment 
(Normal) 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

Idaho 

Battleship 

13,000 

34 

691 

6,720 

Mississippi 

Battleship 

13,000 

34 

691 

6,720 

Kansas 

Battleship 

16,000 

41 

840 

7,380 

Minnesota 

Battleship 

16,000 

41 

840 

7,380 

New  Hampshire 

Battleship 

16,000 

41 

840 

7,380 

Vermont 

Battleship 

16,000 

41 

840 

7,380 

Michigan 

Battleship 

16,000 

51 

818 

6,800 

South  Carolina 

Battleship 

16,000 

51 

818 

6,800 

Montana 

Armored  Cruiser 

14,500 

40 

789 

3,600 

North  Carolina 

Armored  Cruiser 

14,500 

40 

789 

3,600 

Birmingham 

Scout  Cruiser 

3,750 

16 

340 

Chester 

Scout  Cruiser 

3.750 

16 

340 

Salem 

Scout  Cruiser 

3,750 

16 

340 
8,976 

Total, 

13  Ships 

162,250 

462 

63,760 

♦The  majority  of  these  ships  arc  nearing  completion,  and 
will  be  commissioned  during  the  years  1907  and  1908.  Many 
of  these  vessels  are  sister  ships  to  those  already  in  commission. 


144  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

SUMMARY   OF   IMPORTANT  VESSELS    BUILT 
Gan.  I,  1907) 


Displace- 

Number and  Type  orShips 

ment 

(Normal) 

(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

20  Battleships 

250,461 

735 

13.947 

120,658 

10  Armored  Cruisers 

128,445 

401 

7.409 

25,700 

10  Monitors 

39,004 

155 

1.945 

21,890 

22  Protected  Cruisers 

105,170 

548 

8,436 

19,728 

3  Unprotected  Cruisers 

6,216 

45 

738 

1,000 

II  Gunboats 

14.554 

119 

1,682 

2,566 

3  Light-draught  Gunboats 

4,155 

31 

564 

792 

8  Composite  Gunboats 

8,422 

80 

1,199 

1,584 

5  Auxiliary  Cruisers 

28,339 

135 

1.245 

2,198 

16  Torpedo-boat  Destroyers 

6,957 

48 

1,184 

35  Torpedo-boats 

5,707 

67 

935 

Total,  143  Ships 

597,430 

2,364 

39.284 

196.  n6 

SUMMARY   OF  IMPORTANT  VESSELS  UNDER 
CONSTRUCTION 

(Jan.  I,  1907) 


Number  and  Type  of  Ships 

Displace- 
ment 
(Tons) 

Officers 

Men 

One  Shot 
(Lbs.) 

8  Battleships 

2  Armored  Cruisers 

3  Scout  Cruisers 

122,000 
29,000 
11,250 

334 
80 
48 

6,378 
1,578 
1,020 

56,560 
7,200 

Total,  13  Ships 

162,250 

462 

8,976 

63,760 

CHAPTER   VI 

DIFFERENT   TYPES    OF  WARSHIPS — TWO   YEARS  ON 

THE  OREGON — HOW  A  BATTLESHIP  IS  DOCKED 

— ADMIRAL   DEWEY'S    FLEET   AT    MANILA 

BAY     COMPARED     WITH     A    MODERN 

BATTLESHIP — HOW  THE  CREW  IS 

DIVIDED — NAVAL   NOTES 

DIFFERENT    TYPES    OF   WARSHIPS 

IT  is  a  somewhat  difficult  task  to  define  any  set 
rules  regarding  the  size  and  type  of  the  differ- 
ent warships. 
A  **man-o*-war  "  is  very  deceiving  in  regard  to 
strength  and  size.  For  example,  take  the  small 
protected  cruisers.  Gazing  at  them  from  a  distance, 
or  looking  at  a  photograph  of  one,  they  loom  up 
like  a  battleship  or  an  armored  cruiser.  A  battle- 
ship or  armored  cruiser,  however,  could  stand  off  a 
whole  fleet  of  these. 

By  knowing  the  ship*s  displacement,  weight  of 
projectiles,  and  the  size  and  number  of  guns  in  the 
main  battery,  one  can  easily  ascertain  the  ship's 
strength  and  class.     By  referring  to  the  *  *  Descrip- 


146  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

tion  of  United  States  Vessels  '*  in  this  book,  the 
size  and  strength  of  any  ship  can  be  ascertained. 
This  applies  to  ships  of  more  than  three  thousand 
tons;  the  smaller  vessels  are  not  included  in  the 
list,  owing  to  the  great  number  of  them. 

In  time  of  battle  the  battleships  and  armored 
cruisers  bear  the  brunt  of  the  battle.  The  smaller 
ships  are  protected  by  the  large  ships  when  possible. 

The  figures  given  in  the  description  of  the  dif- 
ferent types  of  warships  apply  only  to  our  Navy. 
Many  foreign  nations,  of  course,  would  rate  ships 
of  a  similar  size  and  type  in  a  higher  class. 

Battleships  are  from  ten  thousand  tons  up,  and 
they,  with  the  armored  cruisers,  represent  the  back- 
bone of  our  Navy.  Running  the  entire  length  of 
the  ship  is  a  belt  of  armor,  which  protects  the  sides 
of  the  vessel.  The  thickest  portion  of  this  belt  is 
amidships;  it  then  tapers  down  toward  the  bow 
and  the  stern.  The  battleship's  largest  guns  are 
twelve-  or  thirteen-inch,  and  are  mounted  in  tur- 
rets which  are  located  forward  and  aft  on  the  center 
line  of  the  main  deck. 

All  guns  mounted  in  turrets  are  in  pairs.  The 
turret  revolves  on  top  of  the  barbettes,  which  ex- 
tend down  through  the  lower  decks  to  the  handling- 
room  below. 

The  intermediate  guns  are  four-,  five-,  six-,  or 


>  J  JJJJ.3. 


Different  Types  of  Warships  147 

seven-inch.  These  are  mounted  in  broadsides  and 
are  worked  by  hand.  The  main  guns,  however,  are 
operated  automatically. 

The  ship  has  a  heavy-armored  deck  which  ex- 
tends its  whole  length.  This  deck  is  up  to  three 
inches  in  thickness  and  protects  the  ship's  vitals 
below.  The  ship  with  the  best  armor,  armament, 
speed,  and  the  largest  steaming  radius  is  the  most 
valuable  to  the  Navy.  When  one  considers  the 
power  required  to  force  a  sixteen-thousand-ton  ship 
through  the  water  at  a  speed  of  eighteen  knots  an 
hour,  one  wonders  how  it  is  possible. 

Armored  Cruisers  average  fourteen  thousand  tons 
each.  This  does  not  include  the  Brooklyn  or  the 
New  York,  These  average  about  nine  thousand 
tons  each. 

The  largest  caliber  guns  of  the  armored  cruiser 
are  eight-  or  ten-inch  guns,  which  are  mounted  in 
turrets  similar  to  the  ones  used  on  the  battleships. 

The  armor  and  armament  of  an  armored  cruiser 
are  considerably  less  than  that  of  a  battleship.  This 
is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  armored  cruiser  is  of 
considerably  greater  speed  and  also  has  a  larger 
steaming  radius. 

Converted  Cruisers  are  steamers  which  have  been 
engaged  in  the  merchant  service.     Several  of  these 


148  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

steamers  were  purchased  previous  to  the  war  with 
Spain.  Their  tonnage  varies  according  to  size, 
but  they  will  average  six  thousand  tons  each. 
Their  largest  caliber  guns  are  five-inch.  They 
serve  various  purposes,  since  they  can  be  used  for 
supply-boats,  carrying  troops,  etc.,  besides  assist- 
ing to  form  a  tight  blockade  against  any  port. 

Some  of  the  foreign  nations  compel  the  ship- 
owners to  have  their  vessels  built  under  certain 
plans,  so  that  in  case  of  war  the  ships  can  be  quickly 
converted  into  cruisers.  By  strengthening  the  ship 
in  the  proper  places  a  battery  of  large-caliber  guns 
can  be  quickly  installed. 

Gunboats  vary  from  one  hundred  to  two  thousand 
tons.  The  expense  attached  to  operating  a  gun- 
boat is  insignificant  when  compared  with  that  of  a 
large  ship.  Gunboats  relieve  the  larger  ships  from 
running  around.  Should  trouble  arise  anywhere, 
these  small  vessels  or  cruisers  are  sent  to  investi- 
gate. Should  the  trouble  prove  to  be  of  a  serious 
nature,  the  whole  fleet  would  soon  be  in  readiness 
for  action. 

The  largest  caliber  guns  are  six-inch.  These 
have  a  heavy  shield  over  and  around  them.  Many 
gunboats  have  coffer-dams,  which  are  hollow  com- 
partments filled  with  cellulose.  Should  a  shell  pene- 
trate the  ship  below  the  water-line,  the  water  would 


Different  Types  of  Warships         149 

cause  the  cellulose  to  swell  and  thus  the  hole  to  be 
closed.  The  coal-bunkers  are  filled  with  coal  and 
also  act  as  a  preventative  against  shells. 

Gunboats  are  of  great  use  in  shallow  water  on 
account  of  being  of  light  draught. 

Torpedo-boats  are  in  two  classes.  Torpedo-boat 
destroyers  are  long,  narrow  vessels  about  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  feet  in  length.  The  regular  torpedo- 
boats  are  about  half  the  size  and  strength  of  the 
destroyers.  The  construction  of  all  torpedo-boats 
is  very  light,  and  their  interior  contains  an  enor- 
mous amount  of  machinery. 

The  destroyers  make  twenty-eight  knots  or  more 
in  speed,  and  their  tonnage  varies  between  four  and 
five  hundred  tons.  Their  horse-power  is  as  high 
as  eight  thousand.  This,  of  course,  is  enormous 
when  compared  with  the  small  tonnage.  The  arm- 
ament consists  of  a  few  three-inch  and  six-pounder 
guns,  and  the  boats  are  also  equipped  with  several 
torpedo-tubes,  through  which  the  torpedoes  are 
fired. 

The  destroyers  make  excellent  despatch  and 
patrol  boats  on  account  of  their  great  speed. 

The  secondary  battery  of  all  ships  is  used  mostly 
to  repel  torpedo-boat  attacks,  so  that  when  these 
boats  attempt  to  torpedo  a  ship  the  movements 
must  be  very  rapid. 


ISO  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

Protected  Cruisers  could  be  divided  into  two 
classes:  second-rate  cruisers  vary  between  four 
and  nine  thousand  tons;  third-rate  cruisers  vary 
between  three  and  four  thousand  tons.  Protected 
cruisers  have  a  much  smaller  armor  and  armament 
than  the  armored  cruisers.  Their  largest  caliber 
guns  are  eight-inch,  some  of  which  are  mounted 
in  turrets  on  the  larger  type  of  protected  cruisers. 

This  class  of  ships  is  of  great  value,  because  they 
perform  a  great  deal  of  scout  duty,  commerce-de- 
stroying, etc.  They  have  a  protective  deck,  both 
sides  of  which  slant  in  order  to  divert  the  course  of 
a  shell  should  one  strike  it.  A  protective  deck 
performs  much  the  same  functions  as  an  armored 
deck,  although,  of  course,  the  protective  deck  is 
much  smaller. 

The  average  speed  of  the  protected  cruiser  is 
about  twenty  knots,  although  several  exceed  that 
speed.  Three  scout  cruisers  are  being  built,  and 
these  'will  make  twenty-four  or  more  knots.  They 
also  have  a  large  bunker  capacity,  which  will  give 
them  a  great  steaming  radius.  These  craft  will  be 
of  great  value  in  war-time,  because  they  will  be 
able  to  keep  in  touch  with  the  enemy,  overhaul  fast 
merchant  steamers,  etc. 

Monitors  were  built  for  coast  defence  purposes) 
and  are  kept  around  home  ports.     They  are  seldom 


t   c        c     .    « 


c\      c     let     cc<    e^cccc.  ,         .         c^.^ 


Different  Types  of  Warships         151 

sent  to  sea  for  long  voyages,  although  the  Monterey 
and  Monadnock  made  a  successful  voyage  from  San 
Francisco  to  Manila,  a  distance  of  about  six  thou- 
sand miles. 

A  monitor  has  very  little  freeboard — that  is,  the 
ship's  sides  do  not  extend  very  high  out  of  the  water. 
Their  freeboard  is  about  a  foot,  and  in  time  of 
action  the  flooding-tanks  could  be  filled  so  that 
only  the  ship's  turrets  and  upper  works  would  be 
exposed  to  fire. 

The  largest  caliber  guns  on  a  monitor  are  ten-  or 
twelve-inch,  and  these  are  mounted  in  turrets. 

A  monitor  represents  half  a  battleship  in  appear- 
ance. Should  another  deck  be  built  on  top  of  the 
monitor's  main  deck  and  be  armored  on  the  sides, 
the  vessel  would  in  reality  be  a  regular  battleship. 

The  tonnage  of  the  monitors  ranges  between 
three  and  six  thousand  tons. 

Some  of  the  smaller  monitors  have  only  a  single 
turret,  in  which  two  twelve-inch  guns  are  mounted. 
The  speed  of  a  monitor  varies  from  eleven  to  four- 
teen knots. 


152  The  American  Battleship  in  Q)mmission 

TWO   YEARS   ON   THE   OREGON 

When  a  ship  is  commissioned  and  ready  for 
service  she  is  generally  attached  to  some  fleet  or 
squadron. 

Many  opportunities  are  given  an  enlisted  man  to 
go  ashore  and  visit  the  many  sights  and  scenes  that 
are  to  be  encountered,  particularly  when  in  a  for- 
eign port.  In  time  of  peace  a  warship  generally 
lingers  a  while  in  each  port. 

The  Oregon  set  forth  from  San  Francisco  en  route 
to  the  Asiatic  station  to  join  Rear- Admiral  Evans's 
fleet  on  November  i,  1902.  After  leaving  Hono- 
lulu, bound  for  Yokohama,  the  ship  ran  into  a  ter- 
rific typhoon,  which  carried  away  several  of  the 
small  boats  and  caused  considerable  damage  about 
the  upper  decks  of  the  ship.  About  midnight  of 
November  27,  1902,  when  the  storm  was  at  its 
worst,  an  enormous  sea  swept  over  the  entire  ship, 
crushing  in  the  starboard  side  of  the  pilot-house. 
Good  seamanship  and  a  good  ship  came  out  ahead, 
for  the  Oregon  escaped  with  a  safe  hull,  and  none  of 
the  main  parts  of  the  ship  were  injured.  At  the 
time  the  Oregon  was  built  she  was  known  as  a  coast- 
defence  battleship,  because  of  the  fact  that  she  had 
a  small  freeboard. 

When  the  Oregon  made  her  famous  trip  from  San 
Francisco    to    Santiago,   a  run  of   about    fourteen 


Two  Years  on  the  Oregon  153 

thousand  miles,  her  reputation  as  a  sea-going  ship 
was  firmly  established. 

Upon  reaching  Yokohama  the  ship  was  taken  to 
a  Japanese  shipyard,  where  all  damages  caused  by 
the  storm  were  repaired.  Upon  the  completion  of 
repairs  the  Oregon  joined  Rear- Admiral  Evans's  fleet. 

The  Japanese  and  Russian  war  caused  all  war- 
ships to  leave  and  stay  away  from  the  ports  of  both 
belligerents.  It  is  strictly  against  the  neutrality 
laws  for  a  warship  of  any  nation  to  visit  or  stay  in 
any  port  of  either  belligerent  while  a  state  of  war 
exists.  No  doubt  the  Oregon  would  have  visited 
many  other  ports  were  it  not  for  this  war. 

The  following  is  a  complete  list  of  the  ports  visited 
by  the  Oregon,  covering  a  period  of  two  years : 

ITINERARY   CRUISE   OF   THE   OREGON 


Departed  from 
San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Honolulu,  H.  I. 
Yokohama,  Japan 
Uraga,  Japan 
Yokohama,  Japan 
Woosung,  China 
Hong  Kong,  China 
Amoy,  China 
Yangtse  River,  China 
Nagasaki,  Japan 
Yokohama,  Japan 
Kobe,  Japan 


Date  of  sailing 

Nov.  I,  1902 
Nov.  23,  1902 
Dec.  13,  1902 
Feb.  17,  1903 
Feb.  18,  1903 
Mar.  14,  1903 
Apr.  4,  1903 
Apr.  7,  1903 
Apr.  12,  1903 
Apr.  17,  1903 
May  29,  1903 
May  31,  1903 


Length  of  stay 

I  month,  II  days 
13  days 
8  days 

1  month,  17  days 
II  days 

11  days 
17  days 

2  days 

3  days 
3  days 

I  month,  9  days 
Hove  to  for  pilot 


154  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Length  of  stay 
I  day  en  route 
6  days 
5  days 
3  months 
5  days 


Departed  from 
Inland  Sea,  Japan 
Cheefoo,  China 
Taku,  China 
Cheefoo,  China 
Tsnigtau,  China 
Nagasaki,  Japan 
Kobe,  Japan 
Yokohama,  Japan 
Yokosuka,  Japan 
Yokohama,  Japan 
Honolulu,  H.  I. 
Wake  Island 
Guam,  L.  I. 
Cavite,  P.  I. 
Olongapo,  P.  I. 
Target  Range,  Manila  Bay 
Cavite,  P.  I. 
Hong  Kong,  China 
Cavite,  P.  I. 
Woosung,  China 


Date  of  sailing 
June  2,  1903 
June  II,  1903 
June  17,  1903 
Sept.  20,  1903 
Sept.  26,  1903 
Oct.  20,  1903 
Oct.  27,  1903 
Nov.  13,  1903 
Nov.  18,  1903 
Dec.  5,  1903 
Dec.  29,  1903 
Jan.  6,  1904 
Jan.  13,  1904 
Jan.  20,  1904 
Feb.  8,  1904 
Feb.  27,  1904 
May  20,  1904 
June  15,  1904 
June  22,  1904 
Oct  27,  1904 


days 


22  days 
5  days 

16  days 
5  days 

17  days 
13  days 
iday 

3  days 
2  days 
19  days 
19  days 

2  months,  23  days 

23  days 
5  days 

4  months 


HOW  A   BATTLESHIP   IS   DOCKED 

Located  at  the  different  navy-yards  are  one  or 
more  dry-docks.  These  are  large  enough  to  ac- 
commodate the  largest  size  warship. 

Battleships  are  docked  every  six  months  when 
practicable,  and  as  a  rule  they  are  never  allowed  to 
go  without  docking  longer  than  nine  months.  The 
naval  constructor  of  the  navy-yard,  assisted  as 
much  as  possible  by  the  officers  and  crew  of  the 
ship,  has  charge  of  docking  the  ship.     The  captain 


i'''**  ]':  \'i  I 


How  a  Battleship  is  Docked  155 

is  in  charge  until  the  bow  of  his  ship  crosses  the 
sill  of  the  dock ;  the  naval  constructor  then  takes 
charge  of  the  docking. 

All  ships  carry  a  complete  set  of  docking-plans, 
which  give  the  exact  dimensions  of  the  ship,  etc. 
The  dock  people  take  these  plans  and  set  up  the 
blocking  accordingly. 

The  majority  of  our  battleships  are  well  over  twelve 
thousand  tons,  and  when  one  considers  the  difficul- 
ties and  obstacles  to  be  overcome,  he  would  quickly 
realize  the  magnitude  of  the  task  of  docking  a  large 
warship.  Should  one  set  of  blocking  be  out  of 
place  or  out  of  form,  it  would  perhaps  ruin  the  ship. 

A  dry-dock  is  a  large  excavation  dug  out  of  the 
ground.  One  end  of  it  borders  on  the  sea.  The 
sides  and  bottom  of ^  the  dock  are  made  up  of  huge 
blocks  of  stone,  which  are  closely  fitted  and  ce- 
mented together.  The  back  end  of  the  dock  is 
called  the  sill,  and  is  built  up  very  strongly,  so  that 
the  gate  of  the  dock  fits  firmly  against  it.  In  the 
center  line  of  the  bottom  of  the  dock  is  one  con- 
tinuous row  of  blocking,  which  is  of  uniform  height 
and  is  known  as  the  keel  blocking,  because  the 
keel  of  the  ship  rests  against  it.  Running  out 
toward  the  sides  of  the  dock  are  many  large  tim- 
bers, which  are  well  blocked  up  underneath.  The 
bilge  blocking  rests  against  these  timbers  when  the 
ship  settles  and  rests  on  the  keel   blocks.     This 


156  The  American  Battleship  in  Q)mmission 

bilge  blocking  is  slipped  over  these  timbers  until 
they  fit  snugly  under  the  ship's  bilges  and  thus 
help  to  support  the  ship.  The  bilges  are  the  flat 
portions  of  the  ship's  bottom. 

Bilge  blocking  is  made  up  in  various  shapes  and 
sizes  because  of  the  fact  that  the  ship's  bottom 
varies  in  form.  The  bilge  blocking  is  slid  over 
the  timbers  through  a  system  of  tracks  and  chains. 

The  dock-gate  looks  somewhat  like  a  small  barge. 
It  is  hollow,  and  when  filled  with  water  sinks  into 
position  and  forms  a  tight  joint,  thus  allowing  the 
water  to  be  pumped  out  of  the  dock.  The  dock- 
gate  also  contains  several  gate-valves.  Upon 
opening  these  valves  the  sea-water  enters  the  dock 
and  floods  it.  When  the  dock  is  filled  the  gate  is 
pumped  out  until  it  finally  floats  clear  of  the  sill, 
and  it  is  then  taken  to  one  side  in  order  to  allow 
the  ship  to  enter  or  leave  the  dock.  The  ship  is 
assisted  to  dock  with  tugs  or  else  warped  there  with 
large  hawsers. 

All  docking  is  done  at  high  tide,  and  as  soon 
as  the  ship's  bow  enters  the  dock  she  is  warped 
into  position  with  the  assistance  of  many  lines. 
When  the  ship  passes  over  the  sill  of  the  dock  the 
gate  is  brought  into  position  and  sunk.  This  gate 
has  a  large  rubber  gasket  on  the  inner  side,  and  the 
pressure  of  the  sea  without  presses  the  gate  into 
position,  thus  forming  a  water-tight  joint.     When 


How  a  Battleship  is  Docked         157 

the  gate  is  in  position  and  the  ship  is  properly 
placed,  the  naval  constructor  signals  to  the  pump- 
house  to  commence  pumping. 

The  pump-house  contains  large  centrifugal  pumps 
which  send  out  an  enormous  stream  of  water.  As 
the  water  lowers  in  the  dock  the  ship  lowers  with 
it,  until  she  finally  settles  on  the  keel  blocks. 

Great  caution  must  be  exercised  in  seeing  that 
the  ship  is  placed  in  the  exact  position  designated. 
Should  the  ship  be  misplaced  in  the  slightest  de- 
gree, the  other  blocking  would  not  fit.  When  the 
ship  rests  well  on  the  keel  blocks  the  pumps  are 
stopped. 

When  the  ship  is  well  shored  the  pumps  are 
started  up  again.  As  the  water  is  lowering  in  the 
dock  a  small  army  of  men  are  scraping  the  sea- 
growth  off  the  ship's  bottom,  because  this  is  more 
easily  done  when  the  ship  is  wet. 

When  the  water  in  the  dock  is  getting  low,  the 
bilge  blocking  is  slipped  under  the  ship's  bilges, 
thus  helping  to  hold  the  ship  up.  When  the  dock 
is  nearly  empty  the  ship  is  shored  up  with  many 
timbers,  because  great  care  must  be  taken  to  avoid 
straining  the  ship.  After  the  dock  is  pumped  dry 
all  necessary  repairs  are  made ;  sea-valves,  suction- 
pipes,  rudder,  propellers,  etc.,  below  the  water-line 
are  thoroughly  overhauled. 

When  the  ship's  bottom   is  well  scrubbed    and 


158  The  American  Battleship  in  Q)mmission 

cleaned,  it  is  given  a  couple  of  coats  of  paint,  the 
latter  of  which  is  applied  while  the  dock  is  being 
flooded.  This  paint  gives  better  results  when  left 
to  dry  under  water.  The  invention  of  a  paint 
which  would  keep  the  ship  free  of  marine  growth 
would  mean  a  fortune  to  the  inventor. 

The  .various  nations  often  allow  a  warship  of  an- 
other nation  to  dock  in  their  own  navy-yards.  This 
is  done  as  an  act  of  courtesy,  because  at  times  it  is 
inconvenient  to  dock  a  ship  at  a  private  dock-yard. 

After  a  ship  is  ready  to  be  undocked  all  sea- 
valves,  etc.,  are  closed,  and  the  valves  in  the  dock- 
gate  are  opened.  The  dock  is  then  slowly  flooded. 
When  the  dock  is  nearly  flooded  the  horizontal 
shores  are  knocked  adrift,  and  when  the  dock  fills 
the  ship  floats  clear  of  all  blocking  on  which  she  is 
resting.  The  dock-gate  is  then  pumped  out  until 
it  floats  clear  of  the  sill,  when  it  is  removed  to  one 
side  and  the  ship  taken  out. 

The  ship  is  worked  out  of  the  dock  with  large 
hawsers ;  tugs  stand  by  to  tow  her  to  her  berth ; 
or  the  ship  may  have  steam  up  in  the  main  boilers. 
This  would  dispense  with  the  services  of  the  tugs. 

As  the  ship  clears  the  dock  the  gate  is  brought 
into  position  and  sunk,  and  the  dock  pumped  out ; 
all  blocking,  etc.,  is  then  rearranged  for  the  next 
vessel  on  the  docking  list. 

Often  two  or  more  small-size  ships  are  docked 


How  a  Battleship  is  Docked         159 

together.  At  the  navy-yard  docks  is  a  large  trav- 
eling crane  which  turns  around  the  edge  of  the 
dock.  This  crane  is  of  great  use  in  dismounting 
guns,  etc. 

The  Navy  has  a  large  floating  dry-dock  in  the  Phil- 
ippines which  is  used  by  the  ships  on  duty  around 
that  vicinity.  This  dock  is  of  great  capacity,  and 
is  able  to  dock  the  largest  size  cruiser  or  battleship. 
This  dry-dock  is  worked  on  the  pontoon  principle. 
The  dock  is  submerged  deep  enough  to  allow  a  ship 
to  float  over  it.  When  the  ship  is  properly  placed 
the  flooded  pontoons  are  pumped  out  until  the  ship 
is  raised  clear  of  the  water.  Then  the  ship  is 
cleaned  and  repaired. 

By  reflooding  the  pontoons  the  dock  quickly 
settles,  and  when  sunk  sufflciently  the  ship  floats 
clear. 

One  valuable  feature  of  this  dock  is  that  it  can 
dock  itself  when  necessary  for  repairs,  etc.  The 
pontoons  are  so  arranged  with  connecting-bolts 
that  they  will  lift  each  other  clear  of  the  water. 


i6o  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 


ADMIRAL  DEWEY'S  FLEET  AT  MANILA  BAY 
COMPARED  WITH  A  MODERN  BATTLESHIP 

The  following  comparison  will  give  a  good  idea 
of  the  fighting  strength  of  a  modern  battleship 
compared  with  that  of  an  average  fleet  of  smaller 
size  vessels.  All  the  warships  which  participated 
in  the  battle  of  Manila  Bay  have  since  been  placed 
out'  of  commission.  They  were  thoroughly  over- 
hauled and  a  different  type  and  caliber  of  gun  was 
installed. 

The  figures  referring  to  the  main  battery  are  of 
1898.  The  column  marked  **  one  shot"  signifies 
the  total  weight  of  projectiles  fired  from  each  ship. 
Each  gun  of  the  main  battery  fired  once  or  simulta- 
neously. The  secondary  battery  is  omitted,  as  the 
total  weight  of  projectiles  fired  would  not  amount 
to  a  great  deal. 

Six-pounder  guns  are  generally  the  largest  size 
guns  in  the  secondary  battery  of  medium-size 
ships.  Ten  guns  of  this  caliber  would  fire  only 
sixty  pounds  of  metal,  each  gun  firing  once. 


CQ       & 


Admiral  Dewey's  Fleet  at  Manila  Bay  i6i 


a 

I 

.ten 

&: 

K 

•it 

1- 

0 

Olympia 

Baltimore 

Raleigh 

Boston 

Concord 
Petrel 

Protected  Cruiser 
Protected  Cruiser 
Protected  Cruiser 

Protected  Cruiser 

Gunboat 
Gunboat 

5.865 

4,413 
3,183 

3,000 

1,620 

892 

17,080 
8,778 
8,500 

4,300 

3.359 
1,008 

21.69 

20.10 

19.00 

15.6 
16.8 

II. 8 

(  four  8'   ( 

(    ten  5"  ) 

j  four  8"  \ 

\    six  6"  j" 

\    ten  5"  \ 

\   one  6"  S" 

j  two  8"  ) 

six  6"  \ 

six  6" 

four  6" 

1.500 

1,600 

600 

1, 100 

600 
400 

Total  6  Ships 

18,973 

5.800 

U.    S.    S.    CONNECTICUT 


^ 

a 

•is 

h 

Sd 
0 

Connecticut 

Battleship 

16,000 

16,500 

18 

(  four     12" 
^  eight     8"   • 
( twelve  7" 

7,380 

Admiral  Dewey's  fleet  had  a  displacement  of 
only  2973  tons  more  than  the  Connecticut,  The 
Connecticut  discharges  1580  pounds  more  metal 
than  Admiral  Dewey's  fleet. 


1 62  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 


HOW  THE   CREW   IS   DIVIDED 

It  seems  that  naval  literature  never  grows  stale. 
A  glance  through  the  various  periodicals  and  news- 
papers of  the  country  is  witness  to  the  truth  of  this 
assertion.  All  of  the  statements  which  appear  in 
print,  however,  are  not  true  to  fact.  For  instance : 
a  periodical  may  refer  to  some  magistrate  who  is 
not  fully  aware  that  the  men  of  the  Navy  are  all 
honorable  men,  having  given  some  incorrigible  the 
choice  of  joining  the  Navy  or  going  to  the  reform 
school.  An  incident  of  this  nature  casts  reflection 
on  the  enlisted  personnel  of  the  service;  it  also 
creates  an  unfavorable  impression  on  the  general 
public. 

The  Navy  never  has  been,  and  never  will  be,  the 
headquarters  for  men  who  should  be  in  the  peniten- 
tiary. The  reader  can  judge  the  truth  of  same  by 
referring  to  a  quotation  from  **The  Bluejacket,"  a 
naval  magazine  published  by  an  enlisted  man.  The 
remark  in  question  is  as  follows :  **  Every  good  man 
brought  into  the  Navy  is  an  invitation  for  some 
undesirable  one  to  get  out.'* 

Now  and  then  an  **  undesirable"  may  manage  to 
enlist  in  the  service.  When  his  true  character  is 
discovered,  however,  he  is  then  dishonorably  dis- 
charged from  the  service.  The  naval  regulations 
contain  several  clauses  relating  to  the  discharge  of 


How  the  Crew  is  Divided  163 

any  man  who  may  turn  out  to  be  worthless.  When 
a  person  of  this  character  is  '*  beached"  (man-o'-war 
lingo)  he  is  discharged  for  inaptitude,  which,  in 
plain  English,  means  worthless.  In  this  way  the 
lower  element  is  quickly  weeded  out  of  the  Navy. 

The  term  "  sixteen-dollar-a-month- Jackie  "  once 
in  a  while  appears  in  print.  Regarding  the  title, 
there  is  not  a  bluejacket  in  the  Navy  to-day  that 
likes  to  be  called  a  Jackie.  The  name  seems  repul- 
sive in  every  respect. 

There  are  many  other  proper  terms  used  when 
referring  to  the  enlisted  men,  such  as  Jack,  sailors, 
bluejackets,  Jack-tar,  man-o*-wars-man,  etc.  Any 
of  these  titles  are  quite  appropriate,  but  the  term 
** Jackie  "  is  entirely  out  of  place.  In  regard  to  the 
*  *  sixteen-dollar-a-month- Jackie, "  the  author  has  had 
the  following  table  compiled.  This  shows  in  plain 
figures  the  average  pay  of  the  enlisted  men  of  the 
Navy.  The  list  is  taken  from  the  U.  S.  S.  Mary- 
landy  one  of  our  armored  cruisers.  The  monthly 
pay  is  averaged  up  in  the  list.  For  instance,  the 
monthly  pay  of  the  six  chief  machinist's  mates  aver- 
ages %'/2.  II  each. 

The  list  was  compiled  in  1906  and  thus  repre- 
sents the  pay  received  at  that  time.  The  wage 
scale  is  more  apt  to  be  underestimated  than  over- 
estimated, from  the  fact  that  the  pay  of  the  extra 
rates  is  not  included. 


1 64  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

When  a  person  re-enlists  his  pay  is  greatly  in- 
creased by  averaging  it  up.  Take,  for  instance,  the 
chief  master-at-arms  of  the  Maryland :  he  averages 
$73.50  a  month.  When  he  re-enlists  he  will  be 
given  four  months*  pay  gratis,  and  $1.36  a  month 
additional.  This  would  cause  his  pay  to  average 
$80.98  a  month  during  his  four-year  enlistment. 

In  averaging  up  the  pay  of  the  crew  of  the  Mary- 
land \\.  will  be  seen  that  each  man  averages  $29.65 
a  month.  The  same  could  refer  to  the  entire  Navy, 
for  all  ships  rate  a  certain  allowance  of  men  of  each 
rate,  which  is,  of  course,  regulated  by  the  size  and 
type  of  the  ship.  The  complement  of  a  ship  may 
vary  slightly,  for  various  reasons.  One  ship  may 
happen  to  have  two  plumbers  aboard,  but  in  reality 
only  one  is  rated.  The  extra  plumber  would  event- 
ually be  transferred  to  some  other  ship  which  might 
require  him  in  her  complement.  It  must  also  be 
taken  into  consideration  that  an  enlisted  man  is  fed 
and  quartered  by  the  Navy,  all  medical  attendance 
is  free,  and  they  are  furnished  with  the  first  outfit 
of  clothing. 


How  the  Crew  is  Divided  165 

U.    S.    S.    MARYLAND 

Seaman   Branch:  Pay  per  Mo.  Pay  per  Mo. 

Each  Collectively 

I  Chief  Master-at-Arms $7 3- 50  $73- 5 o 

I  Chief  Boatswain's  Mate 73- 5°  73- 5° 

1  Chief  Gunner's  Mate 75-50  75-5o 

2  Chief  Quartermasters 73- 5°  147.00 

2  Masters-at-Arms,  ist  class 42. 11  84.22 

4  Boatswain's  Mates,  ist  class 42.11  168.44 

4  Gunner's  Mates,  ist  class 44- n  176.44 

2  Turret  Captains 65.00  130.00 

1  Quartermaster,  ist  class 42.11  42.11 

2  Masters-at-Arms,  2d  class 35- 00  70.00 

6  Boatswain's  Mates,  2d  class 35- 00  210.00 

4  Gunner's  Mates,  2d  class 35- 00  140.00 

1  Quartermaster,  2d  class 35- 00  35- 0° 

3  Masters-at-Arms,  3d  class 31-36  94.08 

15  Coxswains 36. 36  545. 40 

5  Gunner's  Mates,  3d  class ZZ-^fi  166.80 

2  Quartermasters,  3d  class 31-36  62.72 

119  Seamen 26.11  3107.09 

180  Ordinary  Seamen 19.00  3420.00 

355  Men               Average  monthly  pay,  $24.81  $8821.80 
Engine-room  Force: 

6  Chief  Machinist's  Mates $72.11  $432.66 

4  Chief  Water-tenders 72. 11  288.44 

6  Machinist's  Mates,  ist  class 57- n  342.66 

2  Boiler-makers 67.11  134-22 

3  Blacksmiths 51.36  i54-o8 

2  Coppersmiths 56.36  112.72 

14  Water-tenders,  ist  class 41.36  579-04 

8  Machinist's  Mates,  2d  class 42.75  342.00 

14  Oilers 39-11  547-54 

48  Firemen,  ist  class 36.36  1745. 28 

48  Firemen,  2d  class 30.00  1440.00 

107  Coal-passers 22.00  2354.00 

■262  Men               Average  monthly  pay,  $32.38  $8472.64 


1 66  The  American  Battleship  in  Qjmmission 

Artificers'  Branch  :  Pay  per  Mo.  Pay  per  Mo. 

Each  Collectively 

2  Chief  Electricians  (i  wireless). . .  .$72.11  $144.22 

I  Chief  Carpenter's  Mate 72.11  72.11 

9  Electricians,  ist  class  (i  wireless)  .   52.11  468.99 

I  Carpenter's  Mate,  ist  class 42.11  42.11 

I  Ship-fitter,  ist  class 56.36         56.36 

I  Painter,  ist  class 43-36  43-36 

1  Sail-maker's  Mate 41.36  41-36 

2  Plumbers  and  Fitters 48.36  96.72 

5  Electricians,  2d  class  (i  wireless)  .   41.36  206.80 

I  Carpenter's  Mate,  2d  class 36.36  36.36 

I  Ship-fitter,  2d  class 40.00  40.00 

I  Painter,  2d  class 35- 00  35- 00 

5  Electricians,  3d  class  (i  wireless).    32.00  160.00 

I  Carpenter's  Mate,  3d  class 32.00  32.00 

1  Painter,  3d  class 32.00  32.00 

2  Shipwrights 25.00  50.00 

^  Men              Average  monthly  pay,  $44.50  $i557-39 

Special  Branch : 

5  Chief  Yeomen $75-47  $377-35 

I  Chief  Commissary  Steward 75-47  75-47 

I  Hospital  Steward 61.36  61.36 

1  Bandmaster 53.36  53.36 

2  Yeomen,  ist  class 43-36  86.72 

1  First  Musician 37-36  37-36 

2  Yeomen,  2d  class 37.00  74.00 

3  Yeomen,  3d  class 32.00  96.00 

1  Printer. 36.36  36.36 

2  Hospital  Apprentices,  ist  class  ...   31.36  62.72 
2  Hospital  Apprentices 20.00  40.00 

6  Musicians,  ist  class 32.00  192.00 

8  Musicians,  2d  class 30.00  240.00 

2  Buglers 30. 00  60. 00 

37  Men              Average  monthly  pay,  $44.50  $1492.70 


How  the  Qew  is  Divided  167 

Messmen   Branch  :  Pay  per  Mo.  Pay  per  Mo. 

Each        Collectively 

I  Cabin  Steward $52.11  $52.11 

I  Cabin  Cook 47- 1 1  47^  1 1 

I  Ward -room  Steward 52.11  52.11 

I  Ward-room  Cook 47- 1 1  47- 1 1 

I  Steerage  Steward 37- 1 1  37-  ^  i 

I  Steerage  Cook 32.11  32.11 

I  Warrant  Officers*  Steward 37-  n  37-  n 

I  Warrant  Officers*  Cook 32.11  32.11 

1  Ship's  Cook,  I  St  class 57- n  57- n 

2  Ship's  Cooks,  2d  class 42. 1 1  84. 22 

4  Ship's  Cooks,  3d  class 32.11        128.44 

5  Ship's  Cooks,  4th  class 25.00       125.00 

I  Baker,  ist  class 47.11         47- n 

3  Bakers,  2d  class 35- 00       105.00 

18  Mess  Attendants 25.00       450.00 

42  Men  ■    Average  monthly  pay,  $31.75  $1333.76 

GRAND    TOTAL 

Total  number  of  enlisted  men 731 

The  crew's  wages  for  a  month $21,678.29 

The  crew's  wages  for  a  year $260,139.48 

Average  monthly  pay  per  man $29.65 

Monthly  ration  money,  at  $9.00  per  man  .  . .  .$6,579.00 

NAVAL  NOTES 
When  lying  at  anchor,  particularly  in  the  home 
ports,  warships  are  thrown  open  to  visitors  when 
practicable.  Sunday  afternoon  is  generally  visiting- 
day,  and  the  visitors  flock  aboard  the  ship  by  the 
thousands.  Nor  are  they  satisfied  until  they  have 
explored  every  nook  and  corner  of  the  ship.  Some 
would  even  walk  right  into   the  captain's  cabin  to 


1 68  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

see   what    kind    of   breakfast    food  he  used  if  the 
orderly  did  not  stop  them. 

The  interior  of  the  ship  is  all  metal.  When 
the  interior  is  first  painted  a  final  coat  of  sticky 
paint  is  used.  Before  the  paint  dries  ground  bits 
of  cork  are  sprayed  over  it.  This  prevents  the 
ship  from  sweating.  The  living-quarters  of  the 
officers  and  the  crew  only  are  treated  with  this  pro- 
cess. All  pipes  about  the  ship  are  covered  with 
felt,  asbestos,  etc. 

If  a  recruit  were  told  to  take  the  jackasses  out  of 
the  manger  he  would  think  some  one  was  trying  to 
**  jolly  "  him.  Some  ships  have  sections  of  rubber 
which  fit  over  the  anchor-chain  links.  One  end  is 
tapered,  and  when  drawn  into  the  hawse-pipes  they 
form  a  tight  joint  and  thus  keep  out  the  sea-water. 
These  sections  of  rubber  are  called  **  jackasses." 
Many  ships  have  a  small  partition  running  across 
the  hawse-pipes.  The  space  in  front  of  this  parti- 
tion is  called  the  **  manger."  So  when  the  order 
is  given  to  **  take  the  jackasses  out  of  the  manger" 
it  is  strictly  regulation. 

Among  the  illustrations  in  this  book  is  one  of 
the  Naval  Y.  M.  C.  A.  building  of  Brooklyn, 
which  cost  half  a  million  dollars,  and  it  is  for  the 
exclusive  use  of  Navy  men.      Here  Jack  can  **  drop 


Naval  Notes  169 

anchor  "  when  ashore  and  feel  that  he  is  at  home 
and  welcome.  The  building  contains  several  hun- 
dred rooms,  bowling-alleys,  restaurant,  laundry, 
swimming-pool,  etc.  The  place  is  well  patronized. 
Over  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  was  deposited 
for  safe-keeping  during  the  year  1905.  There  are 
several  of  these  institutions  in  the  different  parts 
of  the  country,  and  the  good  that  they  accom- 
plish can  hardly  be  estimated. 

Located  about  the  decks  are  several  leak-stopper 
boxes,  each  containing  a  set  of  canvas-covered  plugs 
of  assorted  sizes.  In  time  of  battle  should  a  shell 
penetrate  the  ship's  side  and  leave  a  clean  hole,  a 
plug  would  be  quickly  inserted  and  set  up  with  a 
special  clamping  device,  which  would  readily  stop 
the  leak.  These  stoppers  are  filled  with  cellulose, 
which  swells  when  wet. 

As  soon  as  the  ship  reaches  her  anchorage  spot 
the  engines  are  reversed,  and  when  the  ship  com- 
mences to  move  astern  the  anchor  is  ordered  let  go. 
The  leadsman  leaves  the  lead  resting  on  the  bottom. 
When  the  ship  goes  astern  the  lead-line  drags 
through  his  hand,  and  he  then  reports  *^  ship  is 
moving  astern,  sir!"  This  same  method  is  used 
during  stormy  weather  to  tell  whether  or  not  the 
ship  is  dragging  her  anchors. 


1 70  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

The  temperatures  of  the  magazines  are  taken 
daily.  Most  of  them  contain  thermostats,  which 
are  electrical  devices  for  ringing  an  alarm  when  the 
temperature  is  rising  too  high.  The  alarm  rings 
on  deck,  and  by  referring  to  the  dial-board  the  exact 
location  can  be  ascertained.  The  coal-bunkers  are 
also  equipped  with  thermostats. 

Officers  use  the  starboard  gangway  in  coming 
and  going  from  the  ship,  the  crew  using  the  port 
gangway.  In  returning  to  the  ship  after  taps  in  a 
shore  boat,  an  officer  would  reply  **aye,  aye,'* 
when  hailed  from  the  ship.  An  enlisted  man  would 
reply  **  hello."  Should  it  be  the  captain,  he  would 
answer  the  name  of  his  ship.  All  boats  approach- 
ing the  ship  after  taps  are  hailed  by  the  sentries  or 
quartermaster  on  watch. 

When  steaming  in  fleet  formation  each  ship  has 
a  speed-cone  displayed  from  the  signal-yard.  When 
hauled  all  the  way  up  it  signifies  **  engines  are 
going  at  full  speed  ahead;"  when  half-way  up, 
**half  speed;"  when  quarter- way  up,  **  quarter 
speed."  Should  the  cone  not  be  seen,  the  engines 
are  stopped.  In  case  the  engines  are  reversing,  the 
cone  is  turned  upside  down  and  hoisted  as  the  above. 

All  ships  carry  one  or  two  barbers,  who  are  gen- 
erally apprentice  seamen.     They  are  excused,  how- 


Naval  Notes  171 

ever,  from  most  of  the  routine  work  of  the  ship. 
The  barbers  furnish  their  own  tools  and  equipment, 
and  generally  charge  the  crew  fifty  cents  a  month 
for  all  tonsorial  work  needed  during  that  period. 
The  majority  of  the  **hot  air"  aboard  ship  origi- 
nates from  the  vicinity  of  the  barber-shop. 

During  a  big  storm  oil  is  sometimes  used  with 
good  effect  to  deaden  the  seas.  An  oil-bag  secured 
with  a  stout  line  is  filled  with  oil  and  thrown  over- 
board. The  continual  swashing  about  causes  the 
oil  to  ooze  out,  and  as  soon  as  the  oil  comes  in  con- 
tact with  the  water  it  quickly  spreads  over  a  large 
area,  thus  helping  to  deaden  the  seas. 

There  are  several  men  aboard  ship  who  own 
sewing-machines  and  do  tailoring  work  for  the  crew. 
They  are  called  **  sheenies  '*  and  their  sewing-ma- 
chines are  called  **  hurdy-gurdies,"  from  the  fact 
that  they  have  to  be  turned  by  hand.  These  tai- 
lors make  quite  a  sum  of  money.  All  clothes  made 
by  them  have  to  be  strictly  regulation.  For  in- 
stance, a  pair  of  trousers  must  have  fourteen  but- 
tons on  it,  measure  so  wide  at  the  bottom,  etc. 

Members  of  the  crew  take  great  pride  in  showing 
visitors  around  the  ship.  Nothing  is  more  repul- 
sive to  a  bluejacket,  however,  than  to  have  a  visi- 


1 72  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

tor  whom  he  has  been  conducting  around  the  ship 
insist  on  offering  him  money  for  his  services. 
Some  will  accept  a  cigar  as  an  act  of  courtesy,  but 
nothing  more.  Should  a  bluejacket  accept  money 
and  his  shipmates  learn  of  the  fact,  he  would  get  a 
good  calling  down. 

Once  a  month  the  crew  are  mustered  aft  on  the 
quarter-deck,  where  all  official  matter  appertaining 
to  the  crew  is  read  out ;  also  the  rules  and  regula- 
tions governing  the  United  States  Navy.  These 
are  read  out  of  the  Blue  Book  by  the  executive 
officer. 

December  i,  1904,  the  rate  of  apprentice  boy 
was  abolished.  Those  in  the  service  had  their  rate 
changed.  First-class  apprentices  were  made  sea- 
men and  given  a  three-dollar  increase  in  pay; 
second-class  apprentices  were  made  ordinary  sea- 
men and  given  a  four-dollar  increase;  third-class 
apprentices  were  made  apprentice  seamen  and  given 
a  seven-dollar  increase.  At  the  same  time  the  ti- 
tle of  landsman  was  abolished.  All  landsmen  are 
now  known  and  enlisted  as  apprentice  seamen. 

The  crew  mess  at  swinging  tables,  about  twenty 
men  being  assigned  to  each  mess.  After  the  meals 
all  gear  is  cleaned  and  restowed,  and   tables  and 


NAw.^ 


\  .  ?.l.  C.  A.  Jii  ii,iji.\i,,  likDuKLVN,  N.  V.     This  building  is  Iwr  ilitkc;.'*cUi*ive* 

use  of  the  enlisted  men  when  ashore.  r     •:*•!!•• 

•    •  •  ••  •     •  • 


Naval  Notes  i73 

benches  are  lifted  overhead,  where  they  are  secured. 
At  night  the  hammocks  swing  under  the  tables; 
hence  Jack  sleeps  over  where  he  eats  and  eats  un- 
der where  he  sleeps. 

Naval  officers,  from  captain  to  ensign,  wear  the 
following  gold  stripes  on  their  sleeves :  a  captain 
has  four  stripes;  commander  has  three  stripes; 
lieutenant-commander  has  two  and  one-half  stripes ; 
lieutenant,  senior  grade,  has  two  stripes;  lieuten- 
ant, junior  grade,  has  one  and  one-half  stripes; 
ensign  has  one  stripe.  Chief  boatswains,  chief 
gunners,  chief  carpenters,  and  chief  sail-makers 
rank  with  but  after  an  ensign,  and  wear  one  stripe, 
broken  in  places,  on  their  coat-sleeves. 

When  an  ex-bluejacket  with  an  honorable  dis- 
charge registers  at  any  navy-yard  for  employment, 
he  is  put  on  the  eligible  list  ahead  of  all  others. 
In  taking  the  Civil  Service  examination  a  certain 
percentage  is  allowed  for  an  honorable  discharge. 

Should  a  shipmate  die,  his  bag  of  clothes  is  sold 
at  auction.  If  his  folks  are  poor  and  the  crew  are 
aware  of  this  fact,  the  bag  of  clothes  will  some- 
times net  a  couple  of  hundred  dollars.  All  the 
money  derived  from  the  sale  is  sent  to  the  folks  of 
the  deceased. 


1 74  The  American  Batfleship  in  Commission 

Uncle  Sam's  warships  are  always  welcomed  in  a 
foreign  port.  This  is  because  Jack  is  well  paid  and 
of  a  liberal  disposition,  and  spends  considerable 
money.  Merchants  of  all  classes  receive  a  share 
of  it. 

When  an  **  ola  salt  "  begins  to  imagine  that  he 
is  getting  'tired  of  the  sea  he  commences  to  talk 
about  farming,  a  chicken  ranch  being  a  favorite 
theme.  Some  do  actually  start  one,  but  that  kind 
of  life  soon  gets  monotonous,  and  they  soon  sell  out 
for  whatever  price  they  can  get  and  go  to  sea  again. 

The  ship's  bell  is  struck  every  half-hour.  At 
four,  eight,  and  twelve  o'clock  eight  bells  are 
struck.  Every  half-hour  after  these  three  periods 
an  additional  bell  is  struck,  starting  in  at  one  bell 
until  eight  bells  are  reached,  it  then  being  four, 
eight,  or  twelve  o'clock,  as  the  case  may  be. 

During  war-time  the  ships  are  painted  war  color, 
which  is  a  dark  green  or  slate  color.  It  is  a  diffi- 
cult matter  to  make  out  from  a  distance  a  ship  that 
is  painted  in  either  of  these  colors. 

Should  one  of  the  crew  urgently  neeo  money 
before  the  regular  pay  day  he  can  obtain  the  same 
by  making  a  special  money  requisition,  which  must 
be  approved  of  by  the  captain. 


Naval  Notes  175 

The  paymaster  issues  small  stores  to  the  men 
once  a  month.  Those  wishing  to  draw  clothing, 
soap,  tobacco,  etc.,  hand  in  a  list  shortly  before 
issuing-day.  The  paymaster  carries  a  stock  of  all 
necessary  articles  needed  by  the  crew.  Small  arti- 
cles can  also  be  purchased  from  the  ship's  canteen. 

When  a  man-o'-war  arrives  in  a  foreign  port 
there  is  a  great  scramble  among  the  bumboats  to 
get  aboard  the  ship  with  their  wares  to  sell  to  the 
crew.  A  great  mixture  of  languages  is  used  in 
buying  or  selling.  Should  a  Chinaman  be  selling, 
he  would  talk  ^*  pigeon"  English.  Jack  would 
reply  likewise. 

On  entering  or  leaving  port  seamen  are  stationed 
in  the  chains  to  heave  the  lead.  The  result  is 
drawled  out  in  a  peculiar  voice,  thus:  **Q-u-a-r- 
t-e-r  less  six,  by  the  m-a-r-k  five." 

Several  of  the  ship's  boats  have  a  gun-mount 
platform  at  the  bow,  and  in  case  of  a  landing-  or 
boarding-party  being  sent  away  from  the  ship,  the 
small  machine-guns  are  mounted  on  them. 

All  the  larger  types  of  ships  are  equipped  with 
the  wireless-telegraph  system.  Electricians  are 
especially  trained  at  the  electrical  school  to  make 


1 76  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

them  proficient  with  the  wireless  system.  The 
wireless  telegraph  was  of  great  value  in  the  Japa- 
nese and  Russian  war. 

A  **  hang  fire  "  pertains  to  a  loaded  gun  that  has 
failed  to  go  off  after  the  firing-lanyard  or  trigger  has 
been  pulled.  Great  caution  is  exercised  in  opening 
the  breech-plug.  On  the  large-caliber  guns  the 
breech-plug  is  not  allowed  to  be  opened  till  sev- 
eral minutes  have  elapsed. 

Smokeless  powder  is  tested  regularly,  as  the  gun- 
sights  are  regulated  according  to  weight  and 
strength  of  powder-charge  used.  The  powder  is 
sometimes  sent  back  to  the  powder-works,  where  it 
is  worked  over  again. 

Chief  petty  officers  are  the  highest  enlisted  men 
aboard  ship.  They  have  a  mess  and  cook  of  their 
own,  and  their  general  surroundings  and  duties 
are  very  congenial.  It  is  the  ambition  of  every 
man  to  reach  that  rank,  although  there  are  several 
rates  which  rank  no  higher  than  a  first-class  petty 
officer. 

The  lower  decks  are  of  steel.  Extra  heavy  lino- 
leum, which  is  kept  well  shellaced  at  all  times,  is 
laid  on  these  decks. 


Naval  Notes  177 

Bag  inspection  is  often  held.  Jack  brings  out 
his  bag  of  clothes  and  takes  it  to  quarters,  where 
his  division  officer  inspects  it.  All  clothes  must 
be  strictly  regulation,  and  each  member  of  the  crew 
must  have  a  certain  amount  of  wearing  apparel. 

The  little  gunboat  Petrel,  which  was  with  Admi- 
ral Dewey's  fleet  at  Manila  Bay,  is  called  the  baby 
battleship.  She  is  under  nine  hundred  tons  dis- 
placement, but  she  has  four  six-inch  guns  in  her 
main  battery. 

Every  officer  and  enlisted  man  salutes  as  he  steps 
aboard  a  warship.  Should  the  officer  of  the  deck 
be  at  hand,  he  returns  the  salute ;  otherwise  Old 
Glory  silently  approves. 

It  is  said  that  a  sailor  works  like  a  horse  for  his 
money  and  spends  it  like  a  jackass ;  but  if  the 
amount  of  money  which  is  sent  home  in  allotments 
and  deposited  in  the  ship's  bank  was  known,  it 
would  perhaps  tell  a  different  story. 

All  gingerbread  work  about  the  ship,  such  as  the 
bridge,  pilot-house,  etc.,  could  be  shot  away  in 
time  of  a  battle,  and  this  would  not  impair  the 
ship's  usefulness  as  long  as  the  machinery,  maga- 
zines, and  steering-gear  remain  intact.    Several  spare 


1 7S  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mniission 

sets  of  steering-gear  are  located  in   different  parts 
of  the  ship. 

Target  practice  is  sometimes  held  at  night.  The 
search-lights  are  thrown  on  the  target  as  the  ship 
speeds  past  the  range,  and  the  gun-pointers  aim  and 
fire  the  guns  as  though  it  were  day-time. 

When  a  person  deserts  from  the  Navy,  his  near- 
est of  kin  are  generally  notified ;  also  the  authori- 
ties of  his  home  town.  A  deserter  also  forfeits 
his  citizenship  rights. 

All  ships  of  the  world  carry  a  set  of  international 
signals,  which  enable  them  to  signal  with  each  other 
at  any  time. 

When  a  medal  is  given  to  an  enlisted  man  he  is 
called  to  the  front  at  muster,  and  generally  the 
captain  himself  pins  it  on  the  owner's  breast,  ac- 
companied by  an  appropriate  remark. 

Some  of  the  foreign  Navies  have  torpedo-booms 
attached  to  their  ships.  Torpedo-booms  consist  of 
a  series  of  poles  which  can  be  extended  out  from 
the  ship's  sides.  A  large  steel  net  is  attached  to 
the  outer  ends;  this  protects  the  ship  from  tor- 
pedo attacks.  None  are  in  use  on  our  ships,  as 
their  usefulness  is  in  doubt. 


* »  ;    .  •  »  •  •, 


Naval  Notes  i79 

With  modern  warships  an  engagement  is  very 
different  from  one  with  old-style  ships.  Effective 
work  can  now  be  done  by  the  large-caliber  guns  at 
a  four-mile  range. 

The  Oregon  has  the  Christopher  Colons  old  gig, 
which  was  captured  from  the  Spanish  fleet  at  San- 
tiago. It  is  still  in  good  condition  and  is  being 
used  as  the  captain's  gig. 

Warships  carry  a  complete  diving  outfit,  because 
it  is  necessary  at  times  to  send  down  divers  to 
examine  the  rudder,  propellers,  strainers,  etc. 
Gunner's  mates  generally  do  the  diving,  and  they 
are  given  extra  pay  for  the  work. 

All  ships  rate  a  large  fish-  or  drag-net,  which  is 
occasionally  brought  out  by  the  crew  and  taken 
ashore  to  use.  Should  provisions  run  short  at  any 
time,  the  fish-net  would  be  of  great  value. 

Each  ship  has  a  bulletin-board,  where  all  data, 
etc.,  pertaining  to  the  crew  are  posted. 

When  the  ship  is  handling  powder  the  powder- 
flag  is  hoisted  at  the  fore,  and  no  one  is  allowed  to 
smoke  aboard  ship. 


i8o  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Many  of  the  large  ships  carry  chaplains,  and 
while  the  services  are  being  held  the  church  flag  is 
hoisted  in  a  conspicuous  place. 

A  mascot,  in  the  shape  of  some  tame  animal,  is 
generally  carried  aboard  the  ship.  The  Kentucky 
had  a  large  tame  bear,  which  would  growl  when 
poked  in  the  ribs.  When  visiting  bluejackets  came 
aboard  it  was  great  fun  to  see  them  pet  the  bear. 
Suddenly,  however,  one  of  the  crew  would  poke 
Bruin  in  the  ribs.  He  would  let  out  an  awful  roar, 
and  the  stranger  petting  him  would  make  for  the 
rigging. 

No  sulphur-end  matches  are  allowed  aboard  ship. 
Only  safety-matches  in  small  boxes  are  used.  Gas- 
oline is  also  forbidden  to  be  carried. 

The  decks  of  the  ship  are  swept  some  six  times 
each  day.  When  at  sea,  particularly,  one  would 
wonder  where  the  dust  comes  from. 

During  meal-hours  the  meal-pennant  is  hoisted 
to  the  yard-arm  and  lowered  at  turn-to. 

Many  of  the  foreign  Navies  have  a  conscript  law, 
which  compels  their  subjects  to  serve  in  the  Army 
or  Navy.     All  men  in  the  different  services  of  the 


Naval  Notes  i8i 

United  States  enlist  of  their  own  volition.     Their 
pay,  clothing,  etc.,  are  unequaled. 

When  a  warship  enters  a  foreign  port  she  fires  a 
salute  in  honor  of  the  nation  to  which  the  port  be- 
longs. The  salute  is  returned  by  the  nation  saluted. 
Should  a  fleet  of  ships  enter  the  port  together,  the 
senior  ship  does  the  saluting. 

If  an  enlisted  man  dies  at  sea  his  body  is  sewed 
in  a  canvas  by  the  sail-maker's  mate,  and  at  the  feet 
a  heavy  weight  of  iron  is  attached.  The  ship  is 
hove  to  during  the  burial,  and  the  colors  lowered 
at  half-mast.  Burial  services  are  conducted  by  the 
captain  or  the  chaplain.  At  the  conclusion  of  the 
services  the  body  is  committed  to  the  deep.  The 
firing-squad  then  fire  three  volleys  in  honor  of  their 
departed  comrade. 

The  engineer  on  watch  seldom  leaves  the  vicinity 
of  the  throttle-valve.  Should  the  propeller  drop 
off  or  any  accident  happen  to  the  machinery,  the 
steam  must  be  shut  off  promptly  in  order  to  pre- 
vent a  serious  accident. 

Slabs  of  zinc  are  placed  inside  the  boilers  regu- 
larly. The  corrosive  elements  of  the  water  attack 
the  zinc  first,  and  this  protects  the  interior  of  the 
boilers.     Rudder   pivots,    strainers,    etc.,    on    the 


1 82  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

ship's  bottom  also  have  small  pieces  of  zinc  placed 
around  them  in  order  to  prevent  corrosion. 

When  the  fresh-water  supply  is  getting  short  it  is 
sometimes  mixed  with  salt  water.  An  accident  of 
this  kind  seldom  occurs,  because  there  are  a  great 
many  facilities  for  making  and  stowing  fresh  water. 

While  forced  draught  is  being  used  the  fire-rooms 
are  closed  up  tightly,  and  blowers  discharge  the 
air  into  the  fire-rooms,  where  it  makes  its  exit 
through  the  ash-pits  up  through  the  furnaces  and 
finally  out  past  the  smoke-stacks.  This  gives  the 
fires  an  intense  draught. 

If  a  ship  with  twin  screws  should  have  her  rudder 
disabled  at  sea,  she  could  steam  into  port  by  steer- 
ing with  her  propellers.  One  screw  revolving  faster 
than  the  other  would  swing  the  ship's  bow  ac- 
cordingly. 

The  term  **  indicated  horse-power"  signifies  the 
actual  horse-power  developed  at  the  trial  trip.  In 
most  instances  the  horse-power  developed  at  the 
trial  exceeds  the  amount  required  in  the  contract. 
An  excess  of  horse-power  insures  more  speed. 

Engines  and  fire-rooms  are  kept  neat  at  all  times. 
Every  member  of  the  engineer's  department  has  a 


Naval  Notes  183 

bright  work  station  to  keep  clean.     Visitors  always 
admire  the  neatness  displayed  in  this  department. 

The  ship  has  reserve-bunkers,  which  contain  a 
couple  of  hundred  tons  of  spare  coal.  This  coal  is 
not  carried  on  the  books.  Should  anything  happen 
to  the  regular  supply,  the  reserve  coal  would  come 
in  handy. 

The  engineer's  department  has  a  well-equipped 
machine-shop,  which  contains  all  the  latest  tools 
and  machinery.  Many  mechanics  are  carried  aboard 
the  ship,  and  the  repair-work  performed  by  them 
saves  the  Government  millions  of  dollars  yearly. 

All  ships  have  powerful  anchor-engines,  which 
are  very  essential,  because  if  the  ship  should  run 
aground  or  the  anchor  should  get  stuck  in  the 
mud,  great  power  would  be  required  for  heaving 
purposes. 

Most  of  the  main  bearings  of  the  main  engines 
contain  hollow  compartments,  which  are  connected 
with  a  system  of  water-pipes.  Running  water  is 
turned  on,  which  circulates  around  the  bearings  and 
prevents  them  from  becoming  too  hot. 

The  engineers  on  watch  on  a  twin-screw  ship 
try  to  have  both  engines  make  the  same  number  of 


184  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

revolutions.  If  one  engine  revolves  faster  than  the 
other,  it  causes  the  ship's  bow  to  swing  in  the 
opposite  direction,  and  also  makes  extra  work  for 
the  helmsman. 

A  midnight  lunch  is  served  out  to  the  men  on 
watch  in  the  engineer's  department.  Oatmeal  is 
also  put  in  their  drinking-water:  this  prevents 
the  men  from  getting  cramps  from  drinking  the  ice- 
water. 

An  accurate  account  is  kept  of  all  shots  fired 
from  each  gun.  It  used  to  be  that  when  a  certain 
number  of  shots  were  fired  from  a  gun  it  was  then 
considered  useless.  If  the  gun  is  well  built  and 
taken  care  of,  this  limit  is  greatly  exceeded. 

When  the  ship  is  about  to  go  to  sea  the  large 
guns  are  drawn  in  the  full  length  of  their  recoil  and 
blocked.  The  turrets  are  also  keyed,  to  prevent 
them  from  rolling  in  a  sea. 

When  a  bluejacket  goes  aboard  a  new  ship  he  is 
given  a  station-billet,  which  has  marked  on  it  the 
owner's  number,  station  at  drills,  etc. 

In  port  an  anchor-watch,  consisting  of  a  few 
men,  is  detailed  each  night  to  be   on  duty  in  case 


»•  •  •    «   • 

•  •,•  •     •  • 

•  ••  •      * 


Naval  Notes  185 

their  services  should  be  required.  .In  case  there 
should  be  duties  to  perform  in  the  night  the  rest  of 
the  crew  would  not  be  disturbed. 

Every  ship  and  officer  has  a  certain  number  when 
signaling  or  corresponding ;  this  number  system 
greatly  facilitates  matters. 

The  ship's  compass  is  near  the  steering-wheel  on 
the  bridge.  The  helmsman  must  be  careful  not  to 
have  any  metallic  object,  such  as  keys,  etc.,  in  his 
pocket,  because  these  would  act  as  magnets  and 
might  cause  the  compass  to  deviate. 

Our  large  type  of  ships  carry  twenty  boats,  divi- 
ded as  follows :  three  steam-launches,  four  sailing- 
launches,  five  cutters,  two  whale-boats,  one  barge, 
one  gig,  four  dingeys,  besides  a  couple  of  cata- 
marans. 

Old  rags  are  seldom  cast  overboard  from  the 
ship,  because  they  are  useful  for  shining  bright- 
work.  Brightwork  refers  to  all  metal  that  is  kept 
polished. 

Admiral  George  Dewey  has  seen  over  fifty-two 
years  of  naval  service. 


BOOK   II 
MAN-O'-WAR    YARNS 


SYNOPSIS 

Stand  by  the  Pic. — How  to  tell  the  Weight  of  a  Porker. 
No  Teeth,  No  Music. — A  Contraband  Bow-wow. — Tell  it 
to  a  Marine. — Wash-day. — A  Sinking  Ship. — Presto! 
Change! — Dogs. — To-morrow  is  the  Day  After — Number- 
One  Kind  Tea-set. — A  Fowl  Move. — Show  Me. — A  Personal 
Story.— An  Old,  Salt's  Salty  Saltings.— The  Wreck  of  the 
U.  S.  S.  Yosemite. — Sea-going  Smiles. — Good-morning. — A 
Perpetual  Reward.  —  Ingenuity.  —  Stormy  Weather  on  the 
Gulf. — A  Dry  Ship. — Frenzied  Finance. — Full  Rations. — 
Ah  Choy. — A  Rookie's  Letter. — Lost:  a  Ward-room  Cake. 
—Two  Seadogs  Growling.— A  Few  Salty  Riddles. 


MAN-O'-WAR   YARNS 


IN  traveling  around,  particularly  in  foreign  ports, 
a  person  may  see  a  great  many  odd  incidents, 
both  comical  and  otherwise.  Great  knowl- 
edge'**s  obtained  in  many  ways,  for  there  is  nothing 
that  ^broadens  and  educates  ^the  mind  more  than 
traveling.  A  good  idea  of  human  nature  is  also 
obtained,  because  one  sees  life  in  all  its  various  and 
complicated  phases.  In  many  ports  where  the  ship 
is  lying  at  anchor  there  are  several  small  squalid 
boats  hovering  around  the  ship  that  are  standing 
by  to  pick  up  the  slops  thrown  overboard. 

Should  a  whole  slice  of  bread  be  thrown  away, 
it  is  carefully  scooped  up  and  laid  out  to  dry.  The 
same  slice  of  bread,  with  others,  is  taken  ashore 
and  sold  to  people  who  are  unaccustomed  to  such 
luxuries.  By  having  a  personal  acquaintance  with 
some  of  these  incidents,  it  reminds  one  of  the  value 
of  home,  also  of  the  day  when  he  resented  a  piece 
of  bread  and  butter  unless  it  had  a  quarter-of-an- 
inch  layer  of  '*  ma's  jam  "  spread  on  it. 

I  will  now  proceed  to  relate  some  of  the  stories 
as  I  recall  them. 


192  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

*' STAND    BY   THE   PIC  " 

While  the  Oregon  lay  at  anchor  off  Yokohama, 
Japan,  a  few  months  before  the  Japanese  and  Rus- 
sian war,  we  had  a  drill  called  **aband  ship." 
When  the  word  is  passed,  all  hands  **  aband  ship.'* 
Each  one  rushes  to  his  respective  duty.  Provi- 
sions, water,  etc.,  are  brought  to  the  small  boats, 
and  the  men  detailed  to  them  muster  in  front  of 
their. respective  boats,  and  sometimes  they  are  low- 
ered and  leave  the  ship  with  the  crew. 

There  was  an  Italian  bandsman  named  Joe,  who 
played  the  piccolo,  and  during  the  drill  he  seemed 
bewildered,  as  he  wandered  about  with  his  instru- 
ment in  his  hand.  The  division  officer  spotted 
him  and  asked  him  what  were  his  duties  on  aban- 
doning ship.  Joe  then  seemed  to  understand,  as 
he  looked  up  and  answered,  **Me  stand  by  the 
pic." 

HOW   TO   TELL   THE   WEIGHT   OF  A   PORKER 

Guam  is  a  tiny  spot  located  somewhere  in  the 
Pacific  Ocean.  After  the  Yosemite  was  lost  the 
crew  were  brought  back  to  Guam  and  sent  ashore 
to  Agana,  the  capital. 

Shortly  afterward  the  Solace  came  in  and  took, 
the  crew  to   Manila,  where  they  were  distributed 
among  the  fleet.     A  few  were  kept  for  shore  duty, 
I  being  one  of  the  number. 


Man-o^-war  Yams  193 

The  natives  there  are  called  Cheemoores,  and 
are  a  very  kind  and  docile  race.  They  speak  a 
dialect  of  their  own  and  have  a  great  many  quaint 
customs  and  ideas,  one  of  which  I  will  mention. 

When  a  porker  is  to  be  killed,  great  ceremonies 
are  performed  in  advance.  First,  the  porker  is 
brought  forth  and  sized  up  mentally,  or  with  a 
tape-measure.  It  is  then  figured  out  how  many 
singers  Mr.  Porker  will  rate,  as  a  certain  number 
of  children  are  invited  to  participate  in  the  fes- 
tivities. For  a  couple  of  weeks  they  gather  each 
evening  and  sing. 

Meanwhile  the  porker  is  fastened  to  a  post  under 
the  house  with  about  a  thirteen-inch  cord.  When  he 
is  killed  all  hands  who  have  participated  in  the  cere- 
monies receive  a  piece  pro  rata.  Great  care  must 
be  exercised  in  measuring,  because  if  too  many 
singers  are  invited  there  might  not  be  enough  pork 
to  go  around. 

Many  Americans  who  have  been  on  duty  at 
Guam  a  long  time  claim  they  can  tell  the  weight 
of  the  pig  by  listening  to  the  chorus. 

NO    TEETH,    NO    MUSIC 

On  a  certain  ship  we  had  a  bugler  who  was  an 
elderly  person  and  very  fond  of  his  tea ;  so  when 
on  shore  leave  it  was  a  matter  of  conjecture  as  to 
whether  he  would  return  on  time  or  not.     As  the 


194  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

ship  rated  but  one  bugler,  his  services  were  in 
regular  demand.  To  make  matters  worse,  Jack 
had  a  set  of  false  teeth,  and  when  on  liberty  he 
was  in  the  habit  of  leaving  them  somewhere.  The 
result  was  that  we  had  no  music  until  the  teeth 
were  found  or  a  new  set  bought. 

Finally  things  had  come  to  such  a  pass  that  Jack 
used  to  leave  his  teeth  aboard  ship  before  going 
ashore.  He  figured  out  that  a  set  of  teeth  in  the 
mouth  is  worth  twenty  at  the  dentist's. 

A   CONTRABAND   BOW-WOW 

Shortly  after  the  battle  of  Manila  Bay  the  cruiser 
Baltimore  came  up  to  Hong  Kong  to  dock  the  ship 
and  also  give  the  crew  shore  leave  after  months  of 
strenuous  service. 

Most  of  the  crew  were  short-timers,  and  all  bought 
many  curios  ashore  for  the  purpose  of  taking  them 
home.  One  of  the  bluejackets  came  aboard  with 
a  little  Chinese  chow  dog  under  one  arm  and  a 
ditty-box,  which  he  had  purchased  ashore,  under 
the  other. 

As  he  stepped  aboard  the  ship  the  officer  of  the 
deck  stopped  him,  as  the  regulations  do  not  allow 
dogs  of  any  kind  aboard  without  special  per- 
mission. 

The  sailor  did  not  know  what  to  do,  as  he  was 
ordered  to  send  the  dog  ashore  again.     Suddenly 


Man-o'-war  Yams  195 

he  picked  the  pup  up,  took  it  down  the  gangway 
as  if  he  were  going  to  give  it  to  the  shore  boat-man 
who  had  brought  him  off  to  the  ship.  As  soon  as 
he  was  out  of  the  officer's  sight  he  pulled  open  his 
blouse,  dropped  in  the  puppy,  stepped  aboard  the 
ship,  put  the  ditty-box  under  his  arm,  .and  walked 
forward.  When  he  had  gone  forward  he  hid  the 
puppy,  and  a  couple  of  weeks  later  we  went  back 
to  Manila,  and  the  puppy  went  too. 

**TELL   IT   TO   A   MARINE** 

A  marine  is  at  the  bottom  of  this  story,  there- 
fore there  is  some  reason  to  doubt  its  veracity.  I 
do  not  wish  to  insinuate  anything  against  the  ma- 
rines. I  simply  state  that  the  story  is  doubtful, 
from  the  fact  that  one  from  Missouri  might  say, 
'*  Aw,  go  tell  it  to  a  marine.'* 

The  story  in  question  made  such  a  strong  impres- 
sion on  some  of  the  bluejackets  of  Admiral  Evans's 
fleet  that  perhaps  it  may  interest  others.  In  the 
summer  of  1903  the  Asiatic  fleet,  with  Admiral 
Evans  in  command,  made  Cheefoo  its  headquarters 
while  target  practice  was  being  held  in  the  vicinity. 
There  were  also  several  fine  big  Chinese  cruisers 
lying  at  anchor  there.  On  a  certain  ship  a  certain 
marine  devised  a  wildcat  scheme  which  he  carried 
out  to  perfection. 

Now  the  full-dress  uniform  of  a  marine  is  a  gor- 


196  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

geous  affair ;  it  consists  of  much  bright  trimmings 
and  other  nicknacks.  This  marine  smuggled  his 
full-dress  uniform  ashore,  and  later  on,  when  he 
went  on  liberty,  he  donned  the  uniform,  hired  a 
respectable-looking  shore-boat,  and  paid  a  visit  to 
one  of  the  Chinese  cruisers,  which  lay  some  distance 
away  from  the  American  fleet. 

Mr.  Marine  was  received  with  full  honors  aboard 
the  cruiser,  as  he  presented  himself  as  Colonel  Some- 
body, of  the  United  States  Marine  Corps.  As  it 
was  only  a  friendly  visit  the  colonel  was  invited 
into  the  cabin,  where  the  corkscrews  began  to  get 
busy.  The  **  colonel,"  not  being  accustomed  to 
such  a  high  grade  of  goods,  soon  began  to  feel  the 
effects,  and  ere  long  he  began  to  believe  that  he 
was  a  real  colonel.  The  result  was  that  he  soon 
caved  in,  and  the  officers  of  the  ship,  thinking  him 
ill,  took  him  back  to  the  ship  to  which  he  had 
said  he  belonged.  In  coming  aboard  his  ship  the 
**  colonel"  did  not  rate  any  side  boys. 

WASH-DAY 

When  the  Yosemite  was  first  stationed  at  Guam 
the  food  question  was  a  hard  nut  to  crack  on  ac- 
count of  Guam  being  in  such  an  isolated  place. 
The  transports  were  few  and  far  between.  Now 
there  is  a  cold-storage  plant  ashore  and  vessels  call 
there  regularly. 


^  I 


•  •  • 

•••  • 


Man-o*-war  Yams  197 

The  principal  item  on  the  bill-of-fare  at  that  time 
was  the  old  stand-by — beans.  Now  this  particular 
batch  of  beans  had  no  doubt  made  several  voyages 
around  the  Horn  before  we  got  them,  because  it 
took  three  days  of  steady  cooking  to  make  them 
chewable. 

In  the  galley  are  large  coppers  where  beans  are 
cooked  by  steam.  Whenever  a  batch  of  beans  was 
put  into  the  coppers  to  cook,  which  was  often,  a 
persuader  in  the  form  of  soda  was  also  put  in.  The 
supply  of  soda,  however,  had  run  out,  and  as  we 
were  unable  to  get  another  supply  for  some  time, 
salt-water  soap  was  used  instead.  There  is  but 
little  difference  between  the  two,  as  the  soap  is 
made  very  strong. 

I  was  somewhat  skeptical  when  the  cook  said  he 
used  soap  to  soften  the  beans ;  but  one  day  I  hap- 
pened to  pass  by  the  galley,  and  the  cook  called  me 
in,  lifted  up  the  lid  of  the  copper,  and  said,  ''  See 
those  beans  in  there?" 

He  then  took  a  full  half-bar  of  paymaster's  bou- 
quet, as  the  soap  is  called,  and  calmly  shaved  it 
into  the  copper ;  then  he  stirred  the  beans  with  a 
large  paddle,  which  caused  a  heavy  sea-foam  to 
gather  on  top.  After  the  cook  had  dissolved  the 
soap  thoroughly,  he  informed  me  that  the  beans 
would  be  ready  for  breakfast  next  morning. 


198  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

A   SINKING   SHIP 

Several  years  ago,  when  one  of  our  small  ships 
was  on  duty  around  Alaska,  a  peculiar  accident  hap- 
pened to  one  of  the  coal-passers  on  watch. 

The  floors  of  the  coal-bunkers  of  this  ship  were 
made  of  wood,  and  being  snugly  fitted  together,  it 
was  water-tight.  The  ship  leaked  a  little,  so  the 
small  space  between  the  flooring  and  the  hull  of 
the  ship  gradually  filled  with  water. 

A  coal-passer  went  into  the  bunker  to  get  out 
some  coal  for  the  fires,  and  in  trying  to  break  up  a 
large  lump  of  coal  with  a  heavy  bar  the  bar  crashed 
through  the  planking.  This  caused  the  water  to 
spurt  up.  The  coal-passer  thought  surely  that  the 
bar  had  gone  through  the  ship's  bottom. 

He  rushed  up  on  deck  to  the  chief  engineer's 
office  and  reported  that  the  ship  was  sinking.  The 
matter  was  investigated,  and  it  was  found  that 
only  the  confined  water  had  come  up  through  the 
aperture. 

presto!  change! 

One  morning,  while  drinking  my  morning  coffee, 
I  sat  near  a  chest  on  which  Bill  and  Jack  were 
seated.  Bill  jumps  up,  goes  to  his  mess-locker, 
and  brings  a  tin  of  condensed  milk.  He  dips  out  a 
spoonful,  puts  it  in  his  coffee,  and  as  he  goes  to 
return  the  tin  of  milk,  Jack  asks,  **  How's  chances?' 


Man-o^-war  Yarns  199 

Bill  replies,  *'It  ain't  mine."  As  Bill  returns  the 
tin  of  milk  back  to  the  locker,  Jack  calmly  lifts  the 
spoon  out  of  Bill's  cup  and  scrapes  off  the  con- 
densed milk  into  his  own,  and  then  returns  the 
spoon.  Bill  sits  down  and  stirs  and  stirs  his  coffee, 
with  no  results,  and  finally  concludes  that  the  milk 
is  of  a  poor  quality.     Jack — he  approves  of  it. 

DOGS 

When  one  of  our  new  ships  went  into  commis- 
sion the  crew  got  their  heads  together  and  decided 
that  the  ship  must  have  a  mascot.  Dogs,  cats, 
goats,  etc.,  were  recommended,  but  still  they  could 
not  agree  which  to  choose.  Finally  it  was  decided 
to  consult  old  Billy  Thompson,  the  ship's  quarter- 
master, who  could  tell  about  mascots,  etc.,  as  far 
back  as  sixty-one. 

The  committee  on  mascots  marched  in  a  body  to 
Billy's  quarters  and  explained  their  predicament. 

Leisurely  lighting  his  pipe,  Billy  said:  **  Matics, 
they  don't  put  er  ship  like  this  wun  inter  commis- 
shun  every  day,  an'  er  ship  widout  er  mascot  is  like 
er  sailor  wid  er  pipe  and  no  terbaccur. 

**  Now,  speakin*  'bout  dorgs,  I'm  well  *sperienced 
wid  *em.  I've  been  sick,  bited,  and  even  put  in 
the  pie  wagon  over  'em.  There's  enough  dorgs 
aboard  ship  widout^  gettin'  any  more.  Now,  we 
often  has  dorgs  [sausages]  for  breakfast,  doors  and 


200  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

hatchus  has  dorgs  on  *em  [clamps  used  for  securing], 
then  there's  the  dorg  watch  [a  shift  of  watches  to 
change  the  hours],  and  onct  I  got  in  ther  pie  wagon 
for  fetchin'  a  live  dorg  orf  [a  full  bottle  of  liquor], 
and  dorg  gast  it,  I  got  thurty  days  fer  it. 

**  We's  don't  need  er  dorg.  They  ses  er  dead 
dorg  tells  no  tales,  so  anything  but  er  dog  will  fill 
ther  billet." 

Herman  Ebeneezer,  who  had  been  listening  to 
the  consultation,  remarked  to  the  committee  on 
mascots:  **  I'll  be  dog  gurneled  if  I  don't  send  for 
Dad's  mooley  calf,  if  youse  fellers  will  pay  the 
freight." 

P.  S. — The  mooley  calf  arrived  O.K.,  but  met 
its  fate  in  the  galley. 

TO-MORROW   IS   THE   DAY   AFTER 

In  December,  1903,  the  battleship  squadron, 
with  Admiral  Evans  in  command,  left  Yokohama 
for  Honolulu.  The  fleet  comprised  three  battle- 
ships and  four  cruisers.  The  battleships  proceeded 
in  a  squadron  by  themselves. 

Throughout  the  trip  the  weather  was  very  fair. 
When  we  crossed  the  line  of  i8oth  meridian  a  com- 
ical incident  occurred. 

Should  you  cross  the  line  on  Tuesday  going  from 
Honolulu  to  Yokohama,  the 'next  day  would  be 
Thursday.     In  returning  it  is  the  reverse.     Should 


Man-o'-war  Yarns  201 

you  cross  it  on  Friday,  next  day  would  be  Friday 
also.  A  full  day  of  twenty-four  hours  is  not 
gained.  The  day  of  the  week  is  changed  so  as  to 
make  the  date  fall  on  the  same  day  of  the  week  on 
both  sides  of  the  line. 

I  was  on  the  Oregon  at  the  time,  and  in  front  of 
us  was  the  Wisconsin  and  the  flag- ship  Kentucky  in 
the  lead. 

When  the  squadron  crossed  the  line  it  was  Sun- 
day ;  naturally  the  next  day  was  also  Sunday. 
There  was  a  great  deal  of  work  to  be  done  on  the 
Oregon  at  the  time,  so  it  was  figured  out  that  we 
would  not  cross  the  line  until  Monday.  This 
meant  two  working-days.  There  were  two  Mon- 
days all  right,  but  only  aboard  the  Oregon,  When 
we  reached  Honolulu  we  found  out  that  the  other 
ships  had  had  two  Sundays.  We  were  not  out 
anything,  however,  as  we  had  the  regular  Sunday, 
anyway. 

NUMBER-ONE   KIND   TEA-SET 

While  stationed  at  Guam  the  Yosemite  made 
periodical  trips  to  Japan,  because  the  weather  there 
was  much  pleasanter.  On  one  of  these  trips  many 
of  the  crew  purchased  tea-sets  to  take  home  to  the 
dear  ones.  You  have  to  be  pretty  smart  to  get 
the  best  of  a  Japanese  in  buying  a  tea-set.  They 
say  it  is  number-one  kind,  and  praise  up  its  merits 


202  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

in  various  other  ways.  Incidentally  they  ask  a 
price  much  higher  than  it  is  worth ;  they  expect  to 
be  Jewed  down. 

The  Yosemite  had  a  donkey-boiler  which  was  used 
to  keep  steam  up  while  lying  in  port.  This  was  to 
preserve  the  main  boilers.  This  boiler  was  located 
on  the  upper  gratings  directly  over  the  main  boil- 
ers, and  was  not  in  use  at  the  time.  While  the 
Yosemite  lay  at  Yokohama  many  of  the  crew,  who 
were  short-timers,  purchased  tea-sets,  which  they 
stored  in  and  around  the  donkey-boiler. 

Of  course,  lying  at  Yokohama,  where  the  weather 
was  nice  and  cool,  all  of  the  main  boilers  were  not 
lit  below.  Everything  around  the  donkey-boiler 
was  cool. 

It  seems  that  when  the  main  boilers  were  all  lit 
and  the  ship  put  to  sea,  the  heat  around  the  donkey- 
boiler  was  terrific,  particularly  when  we  neared 
Guam  and  struck  the  tropical  climate  again.  Many 
of  the  men  on  watch  below  were  wondering  where 
those  little  pieces  of  soft  dough  were  coming 
from.  The  little  pieces  would  drop  down  regularly 
through  the  gratings  to  the  fire-rooms  below.  One 
of  the  men  happened  to  pick  up  a  piece  of  the 
dough.  He  found  that  it  was  decorated  in  bright 
colors.  He  at  once  concluded  that  the  tea-sets 
had  been  melted  by  the  intense  heat  from  the  fire- 
rooms.     Several  of  the  crew  rushed  up  to  the  don- 


V 

c 

- 

w 

^ 

a 

^ 

^ 

c 

u 

T3 

<U 

u 

fu 

•o 

) 

^   r 


•  •  •    > 


J »  *     » » . 


Man-o'-war  Yams  203 

key-boiler  to  examine  the  tea-sets.  It  was  laugh- 
able to  see  them.  Most  of  them  had  run  together: 
where  they  had  once  been  a  set  of  sixty-two  pieces, 
they  now  formed  a  trust,  and  consolidated.  Since 
each  tea-set  was  only  worth  about  seventy-five 
cents,  however,  the  loss  to  each  man  was  not  great. 

A  FOWL   MOVE 

In  1899,  during  the  Philippine  uprising,  the  gun- 
boats of  the  Navy  were  on  the  go  continually, 
helping  to  prevent  filibustering,  assisting  the  Army 
in  landing  troops,  etc.  I  was  on  the  Bennington  the 
larger  part  of  that  year.  In  the  latter  part  of  '99 
we  were  ordered  to  proceed  to  Lingayen  Gulf  for 
patrol  duty.  Lingayen  Gulf  was  more  popularly 
known  as  Hungry  Man's  Gulf,  on  account  of  the 
hard  living  at  that  place  during  the  period. 

Daugapan  was  only  a  few  miles  from  this  place, 
which  was  in  possession  of  the  insurgents ;  also  the 
majority  of  the  rolling-stock  of  the  Manila  and 
Daugapan  Railroad. 

Our  orders  were  to  steam  two  days  a  week  around 
the  vicinity.  After  we  were  there  awhile,  all  deli- 
cacies, such  as  sugar,  flour,  canned  vegetables,  etc., 
soon  began  to  wane.  The  principal  article  left 
was  the  sixteen-hole  regulation  hardtack.  All 
ships  rate  a  large  drag-net,  which  was  used  by  the 
crew  in  earnest,  as  the  fresh-meat  boat  did  no  vis- 


204  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

iting  in  those  days.  Not  many  fish  were  caught, 
because  that  place  is  infested  with  sharks,  which 
scare  away  the  small  fish. 

Every  one  aboard  who  could  produce  a  fishing- 
line  did  so.  In  most  cases  it  was  if  the  fish  don't 
bite,  you  don't  eat. 

During  one  of  our  periodical  trips  in  the  vicinity 
we  hove  to  off  a  small  island.  It  was  noticed  that 
a  couple  of  canoes  were  heading  for  the  ship.  We 
waited  until  they  came  near.  We  saw  that  the  boats 
were  loaded  with  chickens  and  fruit.  The  owners 
were  eagerly  requested  to  come  aboard  and  sell 
their  goods.  The  ward-room  steward  was  **  Johnny 
on  the  Spot,"  so  he  procured  all  the  chickens. 

The  queer  part  of  it  all  was  that  the  poor  natives 
wished  old  clothes  instead  of  money  for  their  goods. 
When  this  fact  was  learned,  there  was  a  great 
scouting  around  to  scare  up  old  clothes  to  buy 
from  the  natives. 

The  ward-room  officers  decided  to  keep  the  chick- 
ens alive  until  Sunday,  so  a  temporary  chicken- 
coop  was  rigged  up  on  deck  and  the  fowls  put  into 
it. 

In  the  forward  fire-room  of  the  Bennington  a 
conspiracy  was  formed  by  the  firemen  and  coal- 
passers.  So  one  dark  night,  about  two  A.M.,  a 
successful  raid  was  made  on  the  coop. 

It  was  only  a  few  minutes'  work  to  scald,  clean. 


Man-o'-war  Yams  205 

and  prepare  the  ex-ward-room  chickens  for  the  grill. 
A  coal-shovel  was  wiped  clean,  and  the  chickens 
were  carefully  laid  out  in  sections,  regulation  Navy 
butter  spread  over  them,  and  the  shovel  held  over 
the  hot  coals  by  willing  hands.  Soon  there  was  a 
royal  chicken  feast  deep  down  in  the  bowels  of  the 
ship. 

When  the  ward-room  discovered  their  loss,  they 
got  mad  and  held  a  preliminary  court  of  inquiry. 
The  verdict  was  that  the  chickens  yet  left  in  the 
coop  were  worth  treble  the  absentees,  so  the  ward- 
room cook  had  to  make  a  stew  of  what  was  left  to 
have  enough  chicken  to  go  around. 

**SHOW  me" 

While  one  of  our  battleships  was  in  dry-dock,  a 
farmer  happened  to  pass  by,  and  never  having  seen 
a  ship  before,  he  asked  a  bluejacket  what  those 
two  windmills  were  for.  By  windmills  he  referred 
to  the  propellers. 

Jack  answered,  **  Why,  them*s  fans  which  keep 
the  rudder-hinges  cool." 

The  farmer  did  not  seem  quite  satisfied  with  the 
explanation,  so  he  asked  what  moved  the  ship 
around. 

*'  Why,  the  rudder,  of  course,"  answered  Jack. 


2o6  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 


A   PERSONAL    STORY 

This  story  is  my  pride,  and  means  more  to  me 
than  this  whole  book,  though  it  were  of  virgin  gold. 
Many  will  doubt  or  be  skeptical  as  to  its  truth, 
but  I  can  only  say  it  is  true. 

I  vehemently  deny,  in  advance,  any  thought  of 
mentioning  it  for  sympathy,  as  the  story  demon- 
strates happiness  instead  of  sorrow. 

My  mother  has  been  so  good  and  kind  to  me 
that,  in  looking  back  at  the  days  of  darkness,  I 
take  great  pride  in  allotting  her  this  small  space. 

Many  naval  officers  and  enlisted  men  are  married, 
and,  when  convenient,  their  wives  follow  the  ship 
from  port  to  port.  When  the  occasion  demands 
it  during  a  conversation,  the  women-folks  exclaim, 
'*  Why,  I'm  a  sailor,  too!"  This  is  also  true  of 
an  enlisted  man's  folks.  They  take  pride  in  know- 
ing that  their  son  is  in  the  Navy,  and  his  letters 
are  always  read  with  the  greatest  interest.  Of 
course,  women  are  not  as  interested  as  men  in  the 
good  points  of  a  twelve-  or  thirteen-inch  gun. 
They  are  apt  to  say,  **  Ain't  war  awful!"  They 
do  not  stop  to  think  that  by  having  both  quality 
and  quantity  of  twelve-  or  thirteen-inch  guns  the 
prospects  of  ever  having  war  would  be  like  the 
North  Pole— hard  to  find. 

Several  years  ago  my  mother  went  to  a  small 


Man-o^-war  Yams  207 

country  party  where  the  guests  remained  over 
night.  A  pillow  on  my  mother's  bed  had  been 
used  by  a  child  which  was  suffering  from  some  dis- 
ease of  the  eyes.  The  result  was  that  my  mother 
contracted  a  disease  of  the  eyes  which  caused  her 
to  gradually  lose  her  sight. 

Scores  of  remedies  were  tried,  operations,  medi- 
cines, etc.,  but  of  no  avail.  The  lot  of  a  blind  per- 
son is  a  hard  one.  Still  my  mother  made  the  best 
of  it  and  seemed  to  become  reconciled. 

In  1898,  when  I  enlisted,  I  came  home  often  be- 
fore I  was  sent  to  sea.  The  first  day  I  came  home 
in  uniform  mother  had  to  feel  me  all  over  to  tell 
how  I  looked.  Sewed  on  my  sleeve  was  my  rating 
badge,  at  the  top  of  which  is  a  white  eagle  made 
of  raised  work  with  the  wings  spread  out.  She 
was  able  to  tell  that  it  was  a  bird  by  the  sensitive- 
ness of  her  touch.  ''  Isn't  that  a  pretty  bird  !"  she 
said. 

During  my  absence  her  sight  returned  naturally. 
When  I  came  home  she  could  stand  a  few  feet 
away  and  see  me.  Since  then  she  has  steadily  im- 
proved, and  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  she 
will  be  able  to  read  this  book.  For  the  above 
story  I  can  only  say,  *  *  Praise  be  to  the  One  who 
can  make  the  lame  walk  and  the  blind  see." 


2o8  The  American  Battleship  in  Qjmmission 


AN   OLD    SALT  S   SALTY   SALTINGS 

In  signin'  quarterly  accounts  say  nothin*  if  yer 
got  more  money  on  ther  books  than  yer  thought. 
If  short  er  nickel  or  more,  say  er  mouthful. 

If  yer  have  dirty  clothes,  wash  *em  ter-day ;  ter- 
morrow  may  be  cloudy. 

Never  buy  any  terbaccur ;  it  is  too  much  trouble 
ter  carry  it.  Shipmate  Bill  spells  his  name 
E-A-Z-E-Y. 

Spare  yer  not  ther  elbow  grease ;  Uncle  Sam 
don't  care  fur  expenses. 

After  ther  wrinkles  are  out  then's  yer  time  ter 
tell  'bout  ther  fifteen  dollars  per  week  that  yer 
made  on  ther  outside. 

When  yer  wants  ter  knock,  tip  yer  hammers  wid 
wireless  rubber. 

If  yer  could  only  sen*  yer  hammuck  ashore  ter 
ther  wash,  yer  wouldn't  have  ter  scrub  it. 

Don't  holler  'bout  not  shippin'  over.  Ther  lar- 
ger yer  holler,  ther  quicker  yer  cum  back. 

When  yer  git  ter  rate  er  boiled  shirt,  be  sure  an' 
wear  ther  same  size  hat. 

Don't  tell  ther  fellers  how  yer  did  it ;  let  others 
do  it  fer  yer. 

Never  monkey  wid  dorgs.     They  sometimes  bite. 


Race-fjoat  and  Crew,  U.  S.  S.  Illinois.     Note  the  graceful  lines  of  the  boat,  and 
the  muscles  of  her  crew.         !!••••      •  .* 


•     ••'•••» 


Copyright,  1905,  by  Enrique  Miillt-r. 


Man-o^-war  Yams  209 

Yer  needn't  git  tattooed  ter  be  er  sailor ;  ther's 
others  who  like  salt  horse. 

If  yer  want  ter  git  er  smoke-stack,  use  smokeless 
coal. 

Write  oftun  ter  yer  mother.  She  don't  fergit 
yer,  even  if  yer  are  twenty-two. 

Don't  tell  'bout  ther  rich  uncles  yer  got  what's 
workin'  on  ther  poor-furm. 

Never  be  afraid  of  er  big  man.  Er  turpeder- 
boat  can  outrun  er  battleship. 

When  work's  on  han'  cut  out  ther  eddie-cut. 
'Taint  '' Good-mornin',  Bill,  have  yer  used  Pear's 
soap?"  It's  ''Hey,  there!  Grab  that  scrubbin' 
brush." 

Er  enlistment  is  like  ther  tide :   it  runs  out. 

'Taint  alwus  ther  man  behind  ther  gun  that  does 
ther  work.      Most  guns  has  sights  on  ther  sides. 

Don't  throw  water  on  any  one  ter  make  'em  be- 
lieve it's  raining. 

When  yer  git  home  don't  tell  'bout  ther  sea-ser- 
pents yer  saw. 

Alwus  respect  yer  superior  officer.  Yer  may  be 
one  yerself  sum  day. 

Don't  butt  in  wher'  yer  have  ter  butt  out. 

Many  when  bustin'  their  liberty  say,  ''Oh,  I 
don't  care."  But  aftur  the'r*  punished  they  oftun 
rubber  at  ther  bulletin-board  ter  see  when  they  kin 
go  ashore  agin. 


2IO  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

Don't  pour  oil  on  troubled  waters ;  it*s  bad  fer 
ther  eyes. 

Many  wonder  why  er  sailor  likes  ther  sea.  Why 
does  cr  duck  swim  ? 

Put  yer  money  in  ther  ship's  bank  if  yer  'tends 
ter  git  hitched  up  when  yer  git  home. 

Have  ambishun!  Don't  be  er  sea-ladder  fer 
those  who  has  it. 

An  idear's  like  er  dollar  bill  at  er  fair:  it's  easy 
changed. 

Ther's  many  er  slip  'tween  cup  and  lip  ;  so  steady 
cummin'  up  ther  port  gangway. 

Uncle  Sam  ain't  greedy.  He  oftun  calls  twice 
six  er  baker's  dozen. 

Do  unto  others  as  yer  would  do  when  in  debt 
an*  couldn't  pay. 

Some  call  er  sailor  er  flat-foot ;  people  in  Oregon 
are  called  web-footers. 

Money's  made  roun*  ter  go  roun',  but  we  travel 
roun'  fer  ours. 

Uncle  Sam's  ther  opposite  from  whale  huntin' : 
he  don't  pay  jaw-bone. 

Don't  tell  how  yer  would  do  it,  but  butt  in. 

Never  think  ther  ship  can't  get  along  widout 
yer.      If  yer  does,  don't  think  loud. 

Mermaids  are  like  sea-serpents — doubtful. 

Don't  say  *' can't."     'Tain't  regulation. 

Stocks  are  like  er  ship ;   they  rise  an'  fall. 


Man-o'-war  Yams  211 

If  we  all  thinked  ther  same,  they'd  be  no  boat 
races. 

When  yer  git  promoted  don't  think  yer  er  whole 
school-house.      Ther's  other  pupils  'board  ship. 

Don't  judge  people  by  ther  gunboats  on  their 
feet.     Some  may  have  corns. 

When  yer  clast  and  wanter  go  shore,  wurk  ther 
tooth-ache  racket.  Call  early  at  ther  sick-bay  and 
have  one  of  ther  main  chewers  out  er  whack. 

Ther  days  of  *'  shiver  yer  timbers  "  is  past.  We 
now  got  iron  ships  wid  petrified  wood  trimmin's. 

Some  people  only  drinks  liccur  when  in  agony. 
Lot's  has  pains  all  ther  time. 

Wid  ther  wireless  telegrapht  in  use,  turpeders 
will  be  run  wid  hot  air  'stead  of  comprest  air. 

'Tain't  all  gold  that  glitters.  Ther's  enuf  bright- 
wurk  'board  ship  ter  start  er  brass-mine. 

THE   WRECK   OF   THE   U.    S.    S.    YOSEMITE 

At  the  time  of  this  wreck  Guam  was  a  lonesome 
place  where  vessels  called  irregularly.  But  little 
was  known  of  the  island  because  it  was  so  isolated. 
Of  late  years  many  changes  have  taken  place. 
Transports  and  other  vessels  now  call  at  Guam 
regularly. 

Guam  is  the  main  island  of  the  Marianas,  or 
Ladrone  group.  When  Magellan,  the  great  ex- 
plorer, discovered  these  islands,  he  landed  at  Guam 


2 1 2  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

to  replenish  his  food  and  water-supply.  While 
stopping  there  the  natives  stole  all  the  iron-work 
which  they  could  lay  their  hands  on.  For  this 
reason  Magellan  named  the  islands  the  Ladrones. 

Guam  is  about  thirty  miles  long  and  twelve  miles 
wide.  The  population  is  about  eleven  thousand. 
The  natives  are  called  Cheemoores,  and  they  are 
a  very  quiet  and  peaceable  race  of  people. 

Since  the  United  States  has  had  control  Guam 
has  made  great  progress  in  many  ways.  In  1898, 
when  the  Charleston  was  [ordered  to  Manila,  Cap- 
tain Glass  was  ordered  to  capture  Guam  while  en 
route. 

On  entering  the  harbor  the  Charleston  cleared 
ship  for  action.  Subsequent  events,  however, 
proved  that  the  victory  was  a  bloodless  one.  The 
inhabitants  of  Guam  were  ignorant  of  the  fact  that 
war  existed  between  the  two  countries. 

Rumor  has  it  that  the  Charleston  fired  a  few 
shots,  and  the  governor  of  Guam,  thinking  it  was 
a  salute,  paid  an  official  visit  to  the  ship  and  ten- 
dered his  apologies  for  not  being  able  to  return  the 
salute,  because  he  was  out  of  powder. 

When  informed  that  Guam  was  to  be  taken  in 
the  name  of  the  United  States,  the  governor  was 
dismayed.  Final  arrangements  were,  however, 
made  for  the  surrender. 

All  the  Spanish  subjects  were  taken  to  Manila 


Man-o'-war  Yarns  213 

and  given  transportation  to  Spain.  Meanwhile,  a 
native  of  Guam,  who  could  speak  English  fluently, 
was  appointed  temporary  governor  until  Captain 
R.  P.  Leary  arrived.  He  was  the  first  American 
governor  of  Guam.  The  cruiser  Yosemite  brought 
Captain  Leary  to  Guam.  The  ship  was  ordered 
to  be  detained  there  as  station-ship. 

The  Yosemite  was  a  converted  cruiser  of  about 
6000  tons  displacement,  3800  horse-power,  and 
her  battery  consisted  of  six  five-inch  guns  and  six 
six-pounders. 

San  Luis  de  Apra  is  the  main  harbor,  where  all 
ships  lie  at  anchor.  This  harbor  is  seven  miles 
from  Agana,  the  capital  of  Guam.  About  two 
thirds  of  the  population  live  at  Agana.  The  pal- 
ace, marine  barracks,   etc.,  are  also  located  here. 

Running  parallel  with  the  harbor  is  a  long,  contin- 
uous reef,  which  acts  as  a  natural  breakwater. 

On  the  morning  of  November  13,  1900,  while 
the  Yose^nite  lay  quietly  at  anchor  in  this  harbor,  a 
terrific  typhoon  arose  with  such  suddenness  that 
the  ship  was  unable  to  get  steam  up  in  the  main 
boilers  and  put  out  to  sea.  Some  of  the  ship's 
boats  were  away  from  the  ship  when  the  storm 
commenced,  and  they  were  signaled  to  return 
at  once.  They  were  all  hoisted  and  secured 
in  time,  with  the  exception  of  the  steam-launch. 
The  wind  and  sea  were  then  so  strong  that  the 


214  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

launch  was  unable  to  approach  the  ship.  The  offi- 
cer of  the  deck  cried  through  the  megaphone, 
**  Beach  the  launch  anywhere." 

The  steam-launch  and  her  crew  of  five  were  lost. 
It  seems  the  launch  was  ground  to  pieces  over  the 
sharp  coral-beds.  Later  on  three  of  the  bodies 
were  recovered. 

Our  troubles  were  now  beginning  in  earnest. 
The  ship  started  to  drag  over  the  coral-reefs 
toward  Sumay,  a  small  town  facing  the  harbor. 
By  this  time  steam  was  up  in  the  main  boilers,  both 
anchors  were  out,  and  the  engines  were  going  full 
speed  ahead.  Still  the  big  ship  kept  on  drag- 
ging. There  were  soon  several  holes  in  her  bottom 
forward.  A  life-boat  was  now  lowered,  manned 
by  a  volunteer  crew ;  the  boat  attempted  to  tow  a 
small  line  to  the  beach  with  which  a  large  hawser 
was  to  be  hauled  ashore.  This  would  enable  the 
crew  to  abandon  the  ship. 

The  reefs  soon  cut  the  line  in  two,  and  the  life- 
boat was  dashed  to  pieces  as  it  neared  the  beach ; 
but,  luckily,  the  crew  escaped  with  but  slight  in- 
juries. 

The  storm,  which  seemed  to  increase  in  velocity, 
now  suddenly  shifted  its  course,  and  caught  the 
Yosemite  off  the  starboard  beam. 

The  sick-bay  was  located  on  the  forward  berth 
deck,  but  the  ship  sunk  so  rapidly  by  the  bow 


Man-o'-war  Yams  215 

upon  reaching  deep  water  that  it  was  with  great 
difficulty  that  the  patients  were  removed  in  time 
to  the  ward-room.  While  the  sick  were  being  re- 
moved, other  members  of  the  crew  were  closing 
the  water-tight  doors.  By  closing  these  doors  the 
crew's  lives  were  saved.  This  confined  the  water 
and  kept  the  ship  afloat. 

Now  the  ship  was  blown  out  of  the  harbor. 
How  it  cleared  the  narrow  entrance  and  reached 
the  open  sea  will  never  be  known.  The  wind  and 
sea  were  terrible  to  behold.  Life-boats,  spud- 
lockers,  etc.,  which  had  been  well  secured,  were 
blown  bodily  off  the  ship. 

Before  reaching  the  open  sea  the  Yosemite  struck 
a  rock,  stern  first.  This  completely  carried  away 
the  rudder,  snapped  two  blades  off  the  propeller, 
and  bent  up  the  rudder-shoe  so  badly  that  when 
the  propeller  revolved  the  good  blade  would  strike 
it  and  could  turn  no  farther. 

The  atmosphere  was  a  mass  of  spray,  and  it  was 
impossible  to  see  a  hundred  feet  ahead.  Finally 
the  ship  did  clear  the  narrow  harbor  entrance  and 
reached  the  open  sea.  Should  the  ship  have  struck 
that  main  reef,  the  ship  and  crew  would  have  been 
lost  forever. 

At  this  period  there  was  but  little  water  in  the 
main  and  after  holds,  so  the  ship's  stern  was  high  up 
in  the  air.      Bulkheads  were  braced  and  bucket-lines 


2i6  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mniission 

formed.  In  fact,  everything  was  done  to  try  to 
outlive  the  storm. 

No  one  will  forget  that  first  night  out.  At  times 
the  ship  would  get  in  the  trough  of  the  sea  and  roll 
on  her  very  beam  ends ;  often  she  would  lie  on  her 
side  and  stagger  as  if  in  doubt  whether  to  come 
back  on  her  keel  or  not.  Toward  morning  both 
main  pumps  broke  down,  and  the  water  began  to 
gain  rapidly  in  the  other  holds. 

It  was  no  easy  task  to  overhaul  these  huge 
pumps,  because  the  engine-room  was  in  a  horrible 
mess.  The  Yosemite  was  a  single-screw  vessel. 
On  the  upper  gratings  over  the  engine-room  were 
several  oil-tanks  which  were  bolted  to  the  bulk- 
heads. During  the  early  stage  of  the  storm  these 
tanks  broke  adrift  and  their  contents  spilled  over  the 
pumps,  machinery,  ladders,  etc.,  below,  and  made 
it  dangerous  to  move  about. 

After  several  hours  of  patience  and  toil  the  pumps 
were  put  in  order  again  and  the  water  lowered  in 
the  main  and  after  holds.  Nothing  could  be  done 
with  the  forward  hold,  as  one  might  as  well  have 
attempted  to  pump  the  ocean  dry. 

When  daylight  came  we  were  in  a  sad  predica- 
ment :  no  rudder,  the  propeller  useless,  nearly  all  of 
the  life-boats  blown  away,  and  the  ship's  back  gradu- 
ally breaking.  This  caused  the  water  to  gain  in  the 
other  holds,  and  to  make  matters  worse  there  were 


Man-o^-war  Yams  217 

a  large  number  of  man-eating  sharks  gathering 
around  the  ship. 

Throughout  the  night  rockets  were  fired  at  inter- 
vals, in  the  hope  of  attracting  help. 

At  the  foremast  was  a  large  American  flag  which 
was  reversed  to  signify  distress. 

All  hands  worked  with  that  dogged  determina- 
tion that  is  never  found  lacking  in  the  Navy.  Later 
events  'demonstrated  that  the  good  work  of  both 
officers  and  crew  kept  the  ship  afloat  long  enough 
for  all  hands  to  be  rescued. 

I  forgot  to  mention  that  the  ship's  mascot,  which 
was  a  black  goat,  was  lost.  This  goat  was  in  the 
sick-bay  when  the  patients  were  rescued,  but  the 
water  rose  so  rapidly  that  the  goat  and  a  great  many 
valuables  were  lost. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  fourth  day  out  one  of  the 
lookouts  cried,  "Smoke-ho!"  All  hands  rushed  up 
on  deck  in  a  body  to  see  where  away.  Sure  enough, 
there  was  a  small  steamer  several  miles  away.  The 
steamer  was  going  in  the  wrong  direction  to  see  us, 
so  several  of  the  guns  were  loaded  and  fired  simul- 
taneously. Our  appeal  was  answered,  as  Xh^  Justin 
changed  her  course  and  came  to  our  rescue.  What 
a  welcome  sight  she  was  as  she  hove  to  off  our 
beam ! 

The  Justin  was  a  Navy  collier  which  was  sta- 
tioned at  Guam  with  the  Yosemite.     At  the  time  of 


2i8  The  American  Battleship  in  GDrnmission 

the  storm  she  was  well  laden  with  coal,  so  that  only 
a  small  portion  of  the  ship  was  exposed  to  the 
wind.  As  it  was,  she  dragged  a  long  distance  and 
narrowly  escaped  destruction. 

Captain  Seaton  Schroeder,  who  was  governor  of 
Guam  at  the  time,  ordered  ih^  Justin  to  go  out  and 
look  for  us.  The  Justin  lowered  some  boats,  and 
tow-lines  were  run  from  ship  to  ship.  When  a 
strain  was  put  on  them  they  snapped  like  twine. 
The  Yosemite  by  this  time  was  setting  very  low  in 
the  water. 

When  it  began  to  get  dark  the  word  was  passed, 
"All  hands  abandon  ship."  This  time  it  was  not 
a  drill ;   it  was  a  reality. 

The  pay-clerk,  who  was  acting-paymaster,  stood 
by  the  boat-falls  and  mustered  the  crew  into  the 
life-boats.  As  each  name  was  called  the  owner 
stepped  forward  and  slid  down  the  boat-falls  into 
the  life-boats. 

When  the  life-boat  was  filled  it  was  rowed  over 
to  the  Justin^  where  the  crew  were  transferred. 

Men  were  called  up  from  the  engine-  and  fire- 
rooms,  where  they  had  been  on  watch ;  they  left 
the  ship  with  only  the  clothes  on  their  backs,  but 
their  lives  spared  them. 

As  soon  as  the  crew  reached  ih^  Justin  they  lay 
about  the  iron  decks  with  a  ring-bolt  or  an  anchor- 
chain  link  for  a  pillow.     They  slept  like  innocent 


ManHD^-war  Yams  219 

children  when  they  realized  that  their  troubles 
were  over. 

The  Vose7mtekQpt  afloat  that  night,  so  th^  Justin 
stood  by.  Next  morning  the  paymaster  went 
aboard  and  saved  several  thousand  Mexican  dollars. 

At  three  o'clock  that  afternoon  the  good  ship 
Yosemite  went  down.  She  had  been  our  home, 
and  all  who  witnessed  it  will  say,  **It  was  a  sad 
and  solemn  sight."  The  ship  began  to  stagger,  and 
then  suddenly  she  steadied  herself.  Then  she 
made  three  plunges,  bow  first ;  at  the  third  plunge 
she  failed  to  recover  herself,  but  kept  sinking  by 
the  bow  until  an  angle  of  forty-five  degrees  was 
reached.  With  a  final  plunge  she  sank  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  ocean. 

Th^  Justin  then  returned  to  Guam,  and  the  next 
day  we  entered  the  harbor.  We  dropped  anchor 
just  where  the  Yosemite  once  lay. 

The  day  before  the  storm  Guam  was  a  beautiful 
picture  of  nature ;  but  now  all  the  foliage  had  been 
turned  a  yellow  color  by  the  salt  water  which  had 
blown  over  it. 

A  small  shore-boat  came  off  to  the  ship  to  com- 
municate the  latest  news.  We  then  found  out  that 
the  steam-launch  and  the  crew  had  been  lost. 

Governor  Schroeder  had  his  hands  full  ashore  be- 
cause of  the  great  destruction  which  had  been 
caused.     Several  hundred  native  houses  had  been 


220  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

blown  down,  all  the  Government  buildings  were 
damaged,  and  several  natives  drowned.  All  the 
food-crops  of  the  natives  were  destroyed.  The 
Government  issued  food  rations  to  the  natives  for 
several  months  after  the  storm.  When  the  crops 
were  replanted  and  harvested,  the  natives  were 
again  able  to  take  care  of  themselves. 

When  the  Navy  Department  received  the  official 
reports  of  the  wreck  and  the  loss  of  the  ship,  they 
were  so  pleased  and  gratified  with  the  bravery  and 
heroism  displayed  by  the  entire  crew  that  an  offi- 
cial letter  was  forwarded  to  Guam.  Upon  its  re- 
ceipt Governor.  Schroeder  mustered  the  crew  to- 
gether and  read  it  to  them. 

Had  the  Yosemite  been  out  in  the  open  sea  un- 
crippled, she  would  have  fought  that  typhoon  to  a 
finish  and  conquered  it. 

SEA-GOING   SMILES 

DEAD   ON   IT 

Navigator  (from  Kentucky)  :  I  hope  we  get  some 
sunshine  to-morrow  so  I  can  get  my  true  bearings. 

Executive  (also  from  Kentucky) :  It  looks  like 
to-morrow  will  be  cloudy.  Would  a  little  moon- 
shine do? 

Navigator  (who  tumbles) :  Well,  a  couple  of  fin- 
gers would  steady  me  on  my  course. 


^ 


ManV-war  Yarns  221 

SEAMAN,    SIR 

Pat  (heaving  the  lead  for  the  first  time): 
H-e-e-e-haw,  h a w he. 

Officer  (from  the  bridge) :  What's  the  matter 
there?  Don't  you  know  how  to  read  the  lead-line 
yet? 

Pat :  Oi  knows  the  tune  of  it,  sir ;  by  and  by 
Oi'U  lurn  the  wurds. 

A   NEW   HAND 

Rookie :  Well,  I  reckon  you  can  tell  me  where 
the  ship's  cook  be  at. 

Old-timer :  Sure,  Johnny.  You'll  find  him 
down  in  the  forward  magazine  frying  fish. 

CHEAP    GUY 

Hot-air  Bill :  Gee !  I'd  like  to  be  pilot.  They 
get  three  hundred  a  month. 

Wireless  Pete:  Funny  world,  this.  I  always 
pays  a  nickel  to  pilot  a  schooner  across  the  bar. 

DREAMING 

Master-at-Arms  (waking  up  over-sleeping  blue- 
jacket): Hey,  there!  Come  out  of  it.  It's  after 
reveille. 

Bluejacket  (who  is  having  a  pipe-dream) :  I  don't 
want  any  breakfast,  ma. 


222  The  American  Battleship  in  GDmmission 

WELL   POSTED 

Recruiting  Officer :  So  you  would  like  to  enlist 
as  a  bandsman,  hey? 

Italian  Musician :  Yes,  sir,  me  like. 

Recruiting  Officer :  Who  is  the  greatest  man  in 
America? 

Italian  Musician  :   Georgie der Wash  -  - 

Recruiting  Officer;   You'll  do. 

OUT   OF   COMMISSION 

Stormy:  Say,  Mickey,  what  must  a  man  be  to 
rate  a  military  funeral? 

Mickey :  You  got  me.      I  don't  know. 
Stormy :   He  must  be  dead. 

CANNIBALS 

Little  Child  (who  has  been  visiting  a  warship 
with  its  ma  at  meal-time) :   O  mamma ! 

Mamma:  What  is  it,  dear? 

Little  Child :  Ain't  it  funny,  the  sailors  eat  just 
like  we  do ! 

EXTRA   STARS 

Recruit  (to  paymaster  of  flag-ship) :  Why  are 
there  fifteen  buttons  on  my  trousers? 

Paymaster:  Why,  don't  you  know?  America's 
first  flag  contained  thirteen  stars. 


Man-o'-war  Yams  223 

Recruit:   Where  does  the  extra  two  come  in  at? 
Paymaster :   Oh,  they  represent  the  stars  in  the 
Admiral's  flag. 

CANTEENS    RESTORED 

Jack:  Say,  Bill,  what  do  you  think?  There's  a 
doctor  in  Germany  who  got  up  a  pill  that  will  turn 
a  glass  of  water  into  beer. 

Bill  (greatly  excited):   What's  his  address? 

A  DEEP   DRAUGHT 

Captain  (joking  Naval  Constructor) :  Why,  I 
draw  twice  as  much  water  as  you  do. 

Naval  Constructor:  If  I  put  you  in  dry-dock  you 
won't  draw  any. 

ON  DUTY 

Foreign  Monarch  (admiring  thirteen-inch  guns) : 
How  do  those  big  guns  work,  Admiral? 

Admiral:  I  could  show  you  better  when  they 
are  in  action. 

STORMS   AHEAD 

Mike  (to  tattooed  Jimmy,  who  is  a  **  short- 
timer  "  and  intends  to  get  married) :  Going  to  ship 
over,  Jimmy? 

Jimmy :   Sure,  Mike,  on  the  matrimony  sea. 


224  The  American  Battleship  in  CommissicHi 

RELIGIOUS 

Chaplain :  Your  face  is  not  familiar  at  church, 
my  good  man. 

Unreformed  Sailor:  I  practice  my  religion  every 
morning  before  breakfast. 

Chaplain :    I  do  not  understand  your  meaning. 

Unreformed  Sailor :  It's  me  that  works  the  holy- 
stone on  deck. 

A   LEG   BAROMETER 

Naval  Doctor:  You  should  not  be  so  anxious 
for  a  discharge.  Your  rheumatism  is  improving 
wonderfully  of  late. 

Rheumatic  Patient :  Fve  been  offered  a  good 
billet  in  a  weather-bureau  office,  sir,  and  me  leg 
will  help  to  keep  me  my  job. 

Naval  Doctor:  Very  well,  I'll  recommend  you 
for  a  discharge. 

LIQUID    REFRESHMENTS 

Old  Lady  (pointing  to  Jack's  canteen) :  What  do 
you  carry  in  that  thing? 

Jack :   We  carry  water  in  the  canteen,  ma'am. 

Old  Lady:  Well,  I  do  declare!  That  must  be 
the  canteen  question  I  hear  so  much  about. 

A   MONEY-MAKER 
Hickey :   Next  hitch.  Windy,  I'm  going  to  ship 
over  as  a  baker. 


ManV-war  Yarns  225 

Windy:  You  are  foolish.  You  draw  more 
money  than  a  baker. 

Hickey :   Come  off.   A  baker  makes  more  dough. 

POOR  SOUP 

Officer  (sampling  contents  of  pot) :  How  dare 
you  issue  such  soup  as  that  to  the  crew? 

Ship's  Cook  (who  was  about  to  dump  contents 
of  pot  into  the  ash-chute) :  This  is  not  soup,  sir. 
It  is  the  dish-water. 

AIRY    SAILORS 

Submarine  Jack :  Say,  Willie,  Uncle  Sam's  going 
to  put  submarine  and  torpedo-boat  sailors  on  that 
new  air-ship  that's  about  to  be  commissioned. 

Torpedo-boat  Willie :  I  knew  that  a  month  ago. 
I'm  studying  up  for  a  good  billet  on  her. 

Submarine  Jack :  What  you  going  to  be — a  bal- 
last-shifter? 

Torpedo-boat  Willie :  Why,  no.  I'm  studying 
up  to  be  a  sky-pilot. 

LIGHTNING   CALCULATOR 

Division  Officer  (to  rookie) :  What  weight  pro- 
jectile does  a  six-pounder  gun  fire? 

Rookie  (who  is  in  doubt):  I  believe  eleven 
pounds,  sir. 

Division  Officer:    You  are  wrong.     What's  the 


226  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

difference  between  a  pound  of  feathers  and  a  pound 
of  lead? 

Rookie  (who  tumbles) :  A  six-pounder  gun  fires 
a  six-pound  shell. 

GOOD-MORNING 

In  Japan  the  word  **ohio"  (spelled  ohayo) 
means  **  good-morning."  So  when  the  crew  of  a 
warship  are  ashore  on  liberty  they  are  greeted  with 
many  polite  bows  and  **  ohios." 

On  board  the  battleship  Wisconsin  were  two 
chums  who  were  born  and  brought  up  together  in 
the  State  of  Ohio.  When  the  ship  entered  the 
harbor  of  Yokohama,  both  of  the  young  men  were 
very  anxious  to  go  ashore  and  see  the  country  of 
which  they  had  heard  so  much. 

Shore-leave  was  granted  the  young  men,  and  they 
started  ashore.  They  traveled  all  over  the  city, 
and  saw  all  they  could  of  beautiful  Japan. 

The  next  morning  they  arose  to  make  prepara- 
tions to  return  to  the  ship.  On  all  sides  they  were 
greeted  by  polite  bows  and  ''  ohios."  After  hear- 
ing the  word  for  about  the  thousandth  time,  Bill 
turned  around  to  Jim  and  said,  **  I  wonder  how 
they  knew  that  we  were  from  Ohio." 


ManHD^-war  Yarns  227 

A   PERPETUAL   REWARD 

A  certain  marine  officer,  when  on  shore  duty  in 
charge  of  a  body  of  marines,  had  quite  an  ingenious 
system  for  studying  human  nature.  Office  hours 
are  held  about  ten  o'clock  every  morning;  all 
marines  on  the  report  for  offences  committed  are 
brought  before  the  commanding  officer  to  have  their 
cases  looked  into  and  punishments  administered. 

All  offences  committed  are  mostly  of  a  petty  na- 
ture, and  when  the  offenders  are  brought  before 
the  commanding  officer,  they  put  up  the  most  in- 
genious defences  ever  known. 

The  punishment  is  generally  fatigue  duty,  which 
means  that  the  offender  must  perform  extra  work 
about  the  barracks  while  the  rest  of  the  marines 
are  at  leisure.  Many  old-time  marines  claim  that 
work  is  a  lost  art  with  them,  so  extra  duty  is  not 
welcomed. 

The  first  thing  this  commanding  officer  did  upon 
entering  his  office  of  a  morning  was  to  take  out  his 
pocket-book  and  take  out  a  njce-looking  five-dollar 
bill,  straighten  out  all  the  kinks,  and  lay  it  on  the 
edge  of  his  desk.  One  half  hung  over  the  table,  so 
that  the  V  could  be  plainly  seen,  and  a  heavy  pa- 
per-weight was  also  used  to  anchor  it  down.  The 
court  is  then  opened  up,  and  the  offenders  are 
brought  in  and  tried,  one  at  a  time. 


228  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

As  each  offender  is  brought  before  the  com- 
manding officer,  he  points  to  the  five-dollar  bill 
hanging  so  conspicuously  on  the  desk,  and  says  to 
the  offender,  **You  see  that  five-dollar  bill  on  my 
desk?  Well,  that's  for  the  man  who  can  tell  me  a 
story  I  never  heard  before." 

Many  a  marine  had  spent  a  sleepless  night 
scheming  up  some  new  yarn.  Still  the  bill  re- 
mained a  permanent  fixture  on  the  officer's  desk. 
When  the  commanding  officer  was  told  a  story 
which  he  had  never  heard  before,  he  would  burst 
into  laughter  and  exclaim,  "  Why,  my  good  fel- 
low, I  heard  that  story  twenty-five  years  ago."  If 
the  story  seemed  to  be  original,  the  offender  would 
generally  escape  punishment. 

Bill  Johnson,  the  official  hot-air  merchant  of  the 
camp,  had  often  boasted  to  his  chums  how  he  would 
butt  in  and  cop  the  V.  Shortly  afterward,  one 
pay-day.  Bill  became  tangled  up  with  some  tangle- 
foot, and  was  locked  up  in  the  guard-house  for  safe- 
keeping. 

The  next  morning  Bill,  with  a  big  head,  was 
.brought  before  the  commanding  officer  at  the  reg- 
ular time.  After  being  introduced  to  the  V  and 
charged  with  being  top-heavy.  Bill,  who  was  quite 
a  sea-lawyer,  put  up  the  following  defence : 

**  We  got  paid  yesterday,  sir,  and  when  I  came 
off  guard  last  night  I  started  down  town  to  see  the 


Man-o'-war  Yams  229 

moonlight  ascension  of  Professor  Aguadentes*  air- 
ship. It  seems  my  watch  was  wrong,  sir.  When 
the  air-ship  business  was  all  over  I  arrived. 

''  Then  I  decided  to  return  home.  I  started  to 
do  so,  but  all  of  a  sudden  I  was  knocked  down.  I 
looked  upward  to  see  what  had  struck  me.  I 
looked  around,  and  there  was  the  air-ship  passing 
over  my  head.  It  seems  that  some  one  in  the  air- 
ship was  distributing  bags  of  sand  on  the  heads  of 
pedestrians  in  order  to  lighten  the  weight  of  the 
air-ship.  Unfortunately  it  was  my  destiny  to  be 
hit  with  two  of  them.  The  second  one  put  me 
out  of  commission,  as  I  remembered  no  more  until 
I  woke  up  this  morning  and  found  myself  locked 
up  in  the  guard-house." 

The  commanding  officer,  who  had  never  before 
heard  such  a  plausible  story,  gave  a  few  outbursts 
of  laughter,  and  then  exclaimed,  **  Why,  my  good 
fellow,  I  heard  that  story  twenty-five  years  ago ! 
I'll  let  you  go  this  time,  but  don't  do  it  again!" 

Bill  was  in  great  distress,  as  he  thought  he  had 
a  mortgage  on  the  V-spot.  Suddenly  he  was  seized 
with  an  idea.  Looking  straight  into  the  eyes  of 
the  commanding  officer,  he  exclaimed,  '' Air-ships 
were  not  in  existence  twenty-five  years  ago." 

Bill  is  now  the  hero  of  the  camp — he  won  the 
prize. 


230  The  American  Battleship  in  Qjmmission 

INGENUITY 

The  Navy  collier  Brutus  was  manned  with  a 
naval  crew  for  a  long  period.  The  Brutus^  being 
a  collier,  did  not  carry  a  steam-launch.  Often  the 
ship  lay  far  off  from  shore,  so  when  anyone  went 
ashore  there  was  a  hard  pull  ahead  for  the  small- 
boat's  crew. 

The  members  of  the  engineer's  department  con- 
trived to  convert  the  ship's  dingey  into  a  steam- 
launch.  On  board  the  Brutus  was  an  old  White- 
head torpedo-engine ;  so  with  the  help  of  a  large 
sheet  of  steel,  piping,  etc.,  a  serviceable  boiler  was 
manufactured,' also  a  home-made  propeller.  The 
dingey  was  fitted  up  to  receive  the  machinery,  and 
when  completed,  the  trial  trip  took  place. 

A  dingey  is  the  smallest  boat  carried  aboard 
ship,  so  the  launch's  capacity  was  somewhat  limited. 
At  the  trial  trip  the  launch  could  do  five  knots 
under  forced  draught.  Four  knots  was  the  maxi- 
mum speed  under  normal  conditions. 

The  launch  proved  a  success,  since  she  saved  the 
crew  much  manual  labor.  The  coxswain  of  the 
boat  was  a  ship's  company  all  by  himself :  he  was 
captain,  engineer,  fireman,  deck  force,  and  every- 
thing else. 

A  torpedo-engine  runs  in  only  one  direction,  so 
all  eccentrics,  valves,  reversing-levers,  etc.,  were 
missing.     When  the  coxswain,   etc.,   etc.,  wished 


Man-o'-war  Yams  231 

to  get  under  way  steam  was  turned  on  the  engine, 
and  the  coxswain  then  leaned  over  the  stern  and 
gave  the  propeller  a  turn  to  start  the  engine  in 
motion.  Upon  making  a  landing  great  seamanship 
was  displayed,  because  the  engine  had  to  be  stopped 
at  the  proper  distance  from  the  landing;  otherwise 
the  engine  could  not  be  reversed.  A  small  hand- 
pump  was  used  to  supply  the  boiler  with  feed-water. 

STORMY   V^EATHER   ON   THE   GULF 

Rusty  Ryan  had  served  Uncle  Sam  twenty-odd 
years.  At  last  he  decided  to  ship  over  on  the 
matrimonial  sea.  Rusty  had  often  told  his  ship- 
mates that  he  would  get  hitched  up  when  his  en- 
listment expired.  Being  more  familiar  with  sea- 
going knots  than  those  matrimonial,  Rusty  often 
sought  advice  from  his  mates  as  to  how  to  make 
love  to  a  **gal."  All  hands  advised  him  to  butt 
right  in  to  the  gal  he  liked  best  and  tell  her  all 
about  it. 

Upon  being  paid  off.  Rusty  put  up  at  a  comfort- 
able boarding-house  which  was  managed  by  an  old 
lady  who  had  a  daughter. 

As  soon  as  Rusty  was  introduced  to  the  daughter 
he  immediately  decided  to  drop  anchor.  After 
making  what  he  thought  was  love  to  the  daughter 
for  several  weeks,  Rusty  could  stand  the  suspense 
no  longer. 


232  The  American  Battleship  in  Qjmmission 

One  evening,  as  Maggie  was  playing  the  piano  in 
the  parlor,  Rusty  waltzed  up  to  her  and  popped  the 
question. 

Maggie  became  very  indignant,  as  she  was  heard 
to  reply :  **  Go  away,  you  lobster !  I  have  a  parrot 
that  swears,  a  monkey  who  chews  tobacco,  a  cat 
that  scratches,  and  I  don't  intend  to  have  an  old 
sea-dog  growling  at  me." 

Rusty  upped  anchor  and  headed  for  the  guardo, 
a  sadder  but  a  wiser  salt. 

A    DRY    SHIP 


Characters 


'  Admiral  Twostars, 
Captain  Tightgloves, 
Cabin  Steward, 
Cabin  Boy. 


Captain:  Steward,  the  Admiral  is  coming  to 
visit  me  to-day.  As  there  is  no  champagne  in 
stock  [he  never  did  have  any],  I've  got  up  this 
little  scheme.  When  I  invite  the  Admiral  into  the 
cabin  Til  ring  the  bell  and  order  a  nice  quart  of 
Mumm's  put  on  ice.  You  will  take  the  order  and 
return  in  a  couple  of  minutes  and  reply  :  **  Captain, 
I'm  very  sorry  to  report  that  we  are  all  out  of  cham- 
pagne. There's  some  nice  Pabst  beer  left."  In 
reply  I  will  call  you  down  (make  believe)  for  being 
negligent,  etc. 

Admiral  (who  just  arrived  aboard) :   How  do  you 


Man-o'-war  Yarns  233 

do,  Captain.  Your  ship  is  looking  spick  and  span. 
It's  awfully  warm  to-day,  isn't  it?  It  must  be 
cooler  down  in  your  cabin. 

Captain  (brings  the  Admiral  into  the  cabin) :  It's 
the  hottest  day  I  have  ever  experienced  on  this 
station.  Admiral.  Why,  even  the  pitch  on  the 
deck  is  melting.  [Captain  rings  bell  and  steward 
enters.]  Steward,  put  a  nice  quart  bottle  of  Mumm's 
on  ice  right  away.     The  Admiral's  stay  is  limited. 

Steward  (returning  a  couple  of  minutes  later) : 
Captain,  I'm  very  sorry  to  report  that  we  are  just 
out  of  champagne.  I  ordered  some  yesterday,  sir, 
and  it  has  not  come  aboard  yet.  There's  some 
nice  Pabst  beer  on  ice. 

Captain  (making  a  grand  stand) :  No  more  cham- 
pagne left?  What  became  of  the  case  I  bought 
two  weeks  ago?  [Never  bought  a  bottle  in  his 
life.]  I'm  going  to  disrate  you  for  incompetency. 
Here  I  have  a  distinguished  guest  for  company, 
and  you  make  such  a  report  as  that.  Get  out  of 
here  and  send  the  cabin  boy  in. 

Admiral  (who  doesn't  tumble):  Oh,  that's  all 
right,  Captain.  I  would  just  as  soon  have  a  glass 
of  beer.  Mistakes  will  happen,  you  know.  That 
reminds  me  of  a  little  story.  When  my  dad  used  to 
go  fishing  he  always  took  along  a  little  jug  that  was 
marked  **  Bait."  One  day  when  dad  went  to  town 
I  played  hookey  and  went   fishing.     I  took  dad's 


234  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

jug  along  with  me.  When  I  went  to  bait  my  hook 
I  found  that  the  jug  contained  hard  cider. 

Captain  (boy  enters  as  Captain  is  laughing  at 
joke):  Boy,  bring  in  a  couple  of  bottles  of  beer 
right  away. 

(As  Admiral  leaves  the  ship,  sighs  and  murmurs) : 
I'm  three  dollars  in,  anyway. 

FRENZIED    FINANCE 

I  have  stated  in  the  article  entitled  **  Naval 
Notes  "  of  this  book,  that  when  a  sailor  begins  to 
imagine  that  he  is  getting  tired  of  the  sea  he  begins 
to  talk  about  starting  a  chicken  ranch  or  a  farm. 
I  myself  have  had  a  little  personal  experience  in 
that  line,  and  I  shall  proceed  to  relate  it. 

After  being  shipwrecked  on  the  cruiser  Yosemite 
I  was  detained  ashore  at  Agana,  the  capital  of 
Guam,  for  shore  duty.  One  of  the  bluejackets 
there  owned  a  small  piece  of  land  located  on  a 
small  hill  which  overlooked  the  town.  As  this 
bluejacket  was  going  home  soon,  he  sold  the  land 
to  me  at  a  nominal  sum.  I  purchased  the  land 
with  the  intention  of  starting  a  chicken  ranch. 
This  I  did  to  my  sorrow. 

I  put  the  chicken  ranch  in  commission  with  a 
complement  of  sixty  chickens,  and  my  troubles  and 
misfortunes  then  commenced  in  earnest.  St.  Pat- 
rick must  have  visited  Guam,  for  there  were  no 


Man-o^-war  Yams  235 

snakes  there.  There  are  some  lizards,  however, 
about  three  feet  long  and  capable  of  swallowing  a 
two-months-old  chicken  without  the  least  inconve- 
nience. 

The  lizards  acquired  the  habit  of  visiting  my 
hen-house  regularly  and  sucking  every  Ggg  they 
could  find.  As  I  was  unable  to  procure  glass  eggs, 
I  had  to  put  up  with  the  lizards. 

The  hens  would  become  greatly  frightened  at  the 
appearance  of  these  lizards,  and  ere  long  the  hens 
commenced  to  lay  in  the  brush,  which  made  mat- 
ters just  as  bad.  No  sooner  was  an  egg  laid  than 
the  rats  would  eat  it.  When  the  hens  went  to  the 
brush  I  thought  that  they  had  quit  laying.  One 
of  my  shipmates  told  me  that  meat  was  a  great  egg 
producer,  and  I  therefore  changed  the  diet  of  the 
chickens. 

The  paymaster's  store-rooms  were  near  my  place, 
and  whenever  a  lot  of  tinned  meats  were  con- 
demned I  managed  to  get  some  of  it  to  feed  to  my 
fowls.  The  chickens  were  fed  canned  ** Willie" 
straight,  and  the  results  were  magical.  The  hens 
even  laid  while  they  roosted  in  the  trees  at  night. 
Still  the  early  bird  got  the  worm.  Should  I  be  on 
hand  before  the  lizards  or  rats,  I  would  then  get 
my  share  of  the  eggs.  This  state  of  affairs  was  too 
good  to  last,  as  some  kind  of  chicken  disease  broke 
out  among  my  flock  and  many  died.     Those  that 


236  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

survived  quit  laying,  so  I  sold  the  chickens  for 
what  I  could  get,  and  later  on  when  I  came  home 
I  re-enlisted  aboard  the  Oregon, 

About  two  years  after  the  failure  of  the  chicken 
ranch  Guam  was  visited  by  a  terrific  earthquake, 
which  did  considerable  damage  to  the  island.  Many 
claim  that  the  island  rose  six  inches  out  of  the  wa- 
ter as  the  result  of  the  earthquake. 

Many  of  my  shipmates  used  to  make  fun  of  the 
land  I  owned  in  Guam  by  saying  that  they  would 
not  give  seven  dollars  for  the  whole  island.  I,  in 
return,  would  demonstrate  to  them  how  my  land 
had  gone  up  (by  inches)  during  my  absence. 

FULL   RATIONS 

Two  bluejackets  were  arguing  one  day  over  the 
wages,  etc.,  paid  for  common  help  in  a  certain 
State.  As  the  argument  became  very  bitter,  they 
decided  to  have  a  third  party  settle  it.  Upon  be- 
ing asked  for  his  opinion,  the  third  party  expressed 
himself  as  follows :  *  *  When  we  lay  at  the  Brook- 
lyn navy-yard  on  the  old  Lancaster ,  a  draft  of 
rookies  came  aboard,  and  among  them  were  two 

brothers   who    came    from    the    State    of   . 

Both  of  these  brothers  were  as  green  as  grass. 
Later  on  I  became  acquainted  with  one  of  them, 
and  he  told  me  how  they  came  to  enlist.  He  said 
that  he  and  his  brother  had  worked  five  years  for 


Man-o*-war  Yams  237 

a  farmer  in  the  State  of .     They  had  never 

received  a  cent  of  money.  So  one  Fourth  of  July 
they  asked  for  two  dollars  in  order  to  go  to  town 
and  see  the  circus.  They  were  refused  the  money, 
so  they  left  and  joined  the  Navy. 

**  When  they  first  came  to  the  ship  they  used  to 
call    the    fresh    bread    'white    cake,'   as    that    was 

what  it  was  called  down  in   the  State  of  . 

They  used  to  get  *  white  cake '  twice  a  year — 
Christmas  and  Fourth  of  July." 

AH    CHOY 

Ah  Choy,  mess  attendant  first-class,  had  often 
heard  how  easy  it  was  to  fake  the  sick-list,  and, 
therefore,  be  excused  from  all  work.  So  one  day 
Ah  Choy  decided  to  take  a  trial  shot. 

Promptly  at  8 :  30  next  morning  Ah  Choy  re- 
ported to  the  doctor,  and  exclaimed:  **  Me  cachee 
lomeytism  in  lef*  legee ;   all  samee  hurtee." 

The  patient  was  put  on  the  sick-list  so  as"^  to 
enable  the  doctor  to  get  the  run  of  the  case.  Ah 
Choy  was  in  all  his  glory,  as  three  square  meals  a 
day  with  nothing  to  do  just  suited  him.  So  he 
decided  to  stay  on  the  sick-list  until  his  enlistment 
expired. 

After  enjoying  the  rest  cure  for  about  a  week  at 
Uncle  Sam's  expense,  the  doctor  began  to  get  sus- 
picious, so  a  close  watch  was  kept  on  Ah  Choy. 


238  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

One  day  Ah  Choy  forgot  himself  and  limped  on 
the  wrong  leg.  The  next  morning  the  doctor  had 
Ah  Choy  laid  out  on  the  operating-table  and 
broke  out  his  amputating  instruments. 

Upon  sighting  the  highly  polished  knives  and 
saws  Ah  Choy  turned  deathly  pale,  because  he  felt 
sure  that  they  were  going  to  amputate  his  leg.  He 
could  stand  the  suspense  no  longer,  so  he  jumped 
off  the  Qperating-table  and  rushed  out  on  deck  cry- 
ing, ''You  no  can  cuttee  legee."  Ah  Choy  is  now 
a  cured  case. 

A  rookie's  letter 

U.  S.  S.  Sansalito,  Oct.  9,  1906. 

Deer  Ma  an  Pa  : 

Well,  I  do  be  a  real  sailur  at  las'.  Ther  doctur 
at  ther  reckrutin'  orfice  looked  me  over  right  pert 
an'  said  I  wuz  cut  out  to  be  a  flatfoot.  I  wuz  sint 
hear  with  a  gang  of  fellers  frum  Kalamazoo  to  this 
ship.  Thoze  suspendurs  that  Aunt  Mirandy  sint 
me  be  of  no  ust  as  we  uns  do  not  be  alowed  to  ust 
them  az  we  ust  buttuns  insted.  I  askt  a  feller  hear 
what  be  ther  best  fur  to  study  up  fur,  an  Admirul 
or  Kaptin.  He  saz  that  a  wize  un  like  me  oughter 
lurn  to  be  kaptin  of  ther  poop  deck. 

This  boat  be  four  storys  hi  and  ther  flors  are  not 
painted.  Gee,  ma,  its  hard  wurk  scrubin'  thoz 
flors  with  san'  and  kanvas.     I  was  mutch  scart  las' 


Man-o'-war  Yams  239 

night  as  when  I  wint  to  git  in  mi  hammuck  I  felled 
out.  A  feller  sazs  get  a  hammuck  laddur  which  I 
did.  Whin  I  wint  to  sleap  I  dremt  Pa's  mule  wuz 
chastin*  me  an*  I  felled  out  and  waked  up.  Ther 
cook  saz  if  I'll  help  peal  spuds  he'll  give  me  sum 
pie  checks. 

I  nearly  broked  mi  kneck  yisterday  as  I  wuz  gorn 
up  stairs  I  slipt  an*  I  dont  ketch  ther  banster  in 
time  so  I  hit  ther  flor  with  a  whing.  I  wuz  out 
in  a  real  boat  ther  other  day  an*  I  dint  get  seasick 
one  whit.  Oh !  Ma,  tell  me  ther  best  way  to  git 
durt  frum  dirty  klothes  without  washin*  *em.  Mine 
gits  durty  owful  eazy.  When  I  gits  to  sea  Tm 
gorn  to  shoot  them  big  guns  you  herd  tell  about. 
Gee  whilikins  youz  outher  see  one  of  'em  ripsnor- 
ters  they  be  as  big  as  Hesry  Hakins  win'mill.  We 
dont  hav  eny  lamp  lits  hear  like  at  home,  all  lits 
hear  turn  on  and  orf.  I  tried  to  blow  one  out,  but 
a  feller  saz  turn  it  out  which  I  did.  Dont  tell  eny 
one,  I'm  gorn  to  be  kaptin  of  ther  poop  deck,  az 
I  wanter  cum  home  and  surprize  'em. 

I'll  klose  fur  this  time,  Reckuning  you  all  be 
ther  same. 

Your  Lovin*  sun, 

Hiram. 


240  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 


LOST — ^A  WARD-ROOM   CAKE 

When  the  armored  cruiser  New  York  was  on  a 
certain  cruise  the  ward-room  cook  made  a  delicious 
cake.  The  ship  had  then  been  at  sea  several  days, 
so  a  cake  was  quite  a  treat.  As  the  cook  was  some- 
what late  in  making  the  cake,  the  steward  set  it  to 
cool  in  the  air-port  of  the  pantry. 

At  the  time  one  of  the  ship's  electricians  hap- 
pened to  be  repairing  a  fan  in  the  pantry.  The 
instant  he  set  his  eyes  on  the  cake,  his  stomach 
got  the  best  of  his  conscience.  Repairing  the  fan 
as  quickly  as  possible,  the  electrician  went  up  on 
deck,  and  hunted  up  his  chum,  who  was  an  A.  B. 
(seaman),  and  as  agile  as  a  cat,  especially  when  it 
came  to  climbing  ropes,  etc. 

A  conspiracy  was  soon  formed,  with  the  innocent 
cake  as  the  **  key  "  to  the  plot.  As  the  ward-room 
officers  do  not  dine  until  about  7  P.M.,  it  was 
therefore  quite  dark  on  deck.  The  two  conspira- 
tors got  a  short  line,  and  headed  for  that  part  of 
the  ship  which  was  located  directly  over  the  pantry 
air-port  where  the  cake  was  cooling. 

A  bow-line  was  soon  rigged,  and  the  A.  B.  was 
lowered  over  the  ship's  side  to  the  air-port.  As 
luck  would  have  it,  the  pantry  force  was  busy  with 
the  first  courses  of  the  evening  meal,  so  it  took  only 
the   fraction   of   a   minute   to    capture   the   cake. 


Man-o^-war  Yarns  241 

Should  that  line  have  slipped  or  broken,  the  cry  of 
**man  overboard  **  would  soon  have  been  echoed 
from  one  end  of  the  deck  to  the  other.  But  a 
ward-room  cake  is  not  to  be  got  every  day  by  old 
Jack,  so  the  thought  of  any  danger  was  not  con- 
sidered as  long  as  the  raid  turned  out  a  success. 

The  A.  B.  took  cake,  pan,  and  all  up  forward 
and  hid  it.  Then  both  conspirators  agreed  to  meet 
when  the  mid-watch  was  called  and  eat  the  cake. 
When  the  steward  went  to  get  the  cake  for  the 
ward-room  dessert  it  was  not  to  be  found.  As  the 
steward  was  sure  that  no  one  entered  the  pantry, 
he  at  once  decided  that  the  cake  had  rolled  over- 
board. All  the  steward  got  for  his  pains  was  a 
rebuke  from  the  ward-room  for  being  careless  in 
not  securing  the  cake  for  sea. 

TWO   SEA-DOGS   GROW^LING 

Time:  Summer,  1903. 

Place :  On  board  the  U.  S.  S.  Oregon,  at  anchor 
off  Cheefoo,  China. 

Characters :  William  Brown,  alias  Stormy,  on 
account  of  being  quite  windy. 

James  Murphy,  alias  Spud.  There  are  many 
Spuds,  but  this  is  the  original. 

Enlistment  Record :  James  Murphy,  boatswain's 
mate,  first-class ;  age  forty-five ;  standard  height ; 
vocation  previous  to  joining  Navy,  policeman.    Full- 


242  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

rigged  ship,  tattooed  on  breast,  deep  voice,  also  has 
decided  list  to  starboard.  Was  born  in  Shamrock- 
ville ;  twenty  years'  honorable  service ;  disposition 
cheerful;  a  competent  man,  well  liked  by  officers 
and  crew;  was  nicknamed  Spud  on  general  princi- 
ples. Spud  is  the  boatswain's  mate  of  the  first 
division  of  the  Oregon y  and  has  just  lately  shipped 
over. 

William  Brown,  gunner's  mate;  age  thirty-five; 
vocation  previous  to  joining  Navy,  gas-man.  Has 
several  pimples  under  both  arm-pits;  they  are 
either  moles  or  barnacles.  Seventeen  years'  honor- 
able service ;  height,  five  feet  five  inches ;  large  dis- 
placement, also  large  beam.  Was  born  in  Mis- 
souri. Disposition  cheerful.  Stormy  has  been 
shipmate  with  Spud  on  three  different  occasions. 
Stormy  has  just  arrived  aboard  the  Oregon  and  is 
ignorant  of  the  fact  that  Spud  is  also  aboard. 
After  stowing  away  his  luggage  he  strolls  about  the 
ship  meeting  old  shipmates.  As  he  steps  out  on 
the  forecastle  he  runs  into  Spud,  who  is  sitting  on  a 
chest  filling  his  Woodstock  pipe  with  Navy  plug. 

Stormy :  Hello,  Spud,  old  boy !  [They  shake 
hands.]  I  thought  you  said  you  wasn't  going  to 
ship  over  again?  I  knew  the  meal  pennant  would 
fetch  you  back.  You  did  right  by  coming  back, 
as  there  are  pretty  hard  times  ashore. 

Spud:  Well,  I'll  be  torpedoed!     Where  did  you 


»  »  «      t 


*  *    *  ♦  *    t*  * 


Man-o'-war  Yarns  243 

come  from?  I  did  intend  to  stay  out  last  time,  for 
I  bought  a  chicken  farm  and  run  it  three  months. 
The  chickens  wouldn't  lay,  so  I  sold  the  whole 
sheebang  and  shipped  over.  No  more  farming  for 
me.  Stormy.  I  thought  it  would  take  an  act  of 
Congress  to  take  the  political  job  away  from  you 
that  you  had  on  the  Philly, 

Stormy :  Haw,  haw,  haw!  You  old  fogie,  you 
must  have  looked  pretty  piping  all  the  chickens  to 
muster.  I  lost  my  job  when  the  Philly  went  out 
of  commission,  so  they  sent  me  out  here  on  the 
Solace^  and  I  caught  the  old  Bulldog,  You  remem- 
ber the  Jimmy  Legs  that  used  to  be  with  us  on  the 
Philly  at  Panama?  Well,  he  jumped,  and  they 
caught  him  in  'Frisco  and  gave  him  six  months. 

Spud :  I  heard  about  Jimmy  Legs,  but  I  thought 
he  only  got  busted.  Say,  Stormy,  the  ship's  a  reg- 
ular home,  and  we  live  like  fighting-cocks,  as  the 
commissary  steward  is  certainly  a  peach.  Who  do 
you  think  is  our  executive  officer?  It's  Mr.  Car- 
rol that  used  to  be  with  us  on  the  old  Mickey  in 
eighty-nine. 

Stormy  :  I  met  Mr.  Carrol  at  the  gangway  as 
I  came  aboard,  and  shook  hands  with  him.  He  re- 
members me  well,  as  he  once  caught  me  fetching  a 
dog  off.  They  are  going  to  make  another  dozen 
warrant  gunners,  and  I'm  going  up  for  it.  Do  you 
think  I'll  make  it.  Spud? 


244  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Spud :  Sure,  Mike,  you'll  make  it  if  you  will 
learn  all  about  spontaneous  combustion  and  all  that 
rigermoro  stuff.  You  got  a  great  knob  on  you  and 
have  had  a  good  learning,  and  I  hope  you  make  it. 
Fm  going  out  with  a  pay-day  this  time,  as  I'm 
stowing  it  away  on  edges  in  the  ship's  bank.  I  in- 
tend to  get  hitched  up  when  I  get  back,  as  I've 
got  a  dandy  dame  on  the  string. 

Stormy:  Hee-haw,  hee-haw,  is  the  gal's  name 
Maud?  You  would  certainly  look  sea-going,  going 
down  the  line  with  Missus  Spud  on  your  port  beam. 
Come  out  of  it,  man.  You  got  the  love-lit  in  the 
wrong  blinker.  Soon  as  she  gets  your  dough  she 
would  cut  the  tow-line  and  you  would  then  head 
for  the  guardo.  Better  look  out.  You  may 
fail  as  you  did  with  the  chicken  farm. 

Spud:  They  ain't  no  use  guying  me.  Stormy ;  I 
haven't  forgot  the  time  you  got  tangled  up  with 
that  mermaid  in  Oakland.  She  mooched  your 
whole  pay-day,  and  you  didn't  see  the  inside  of  a 
church,  either.  So  you  had  better  pipe  down. 
There  goes  mess  gear.  We  had  better  get  ready 
for  dinner. 

p.S. — Both  make  their  exit  to  their  respective 
messes. 


Man-o'-war  Yams  245 


A   FEW    SALTY   RIDDLES 

In  Manila  Bay,  May,  '98,  what  was  the  question 
not  a  question? 
Do  we  did  it? 

What  parts  of  the  ship  are  farmish? 
Jackasses,  hawsers,  and  crow's-nest. 

Why  are  there  no  labor  strikes  or  walking  -dele- 
gates in  the  Navy? 

Because  all  have  to  belong  to  the  same  Union 
before  Uncle  Sam  will  ship  them. 

Why  do  battleships  make  better  watch-dogs  than 
cruisers? 

They  bark  louder  and  their  skin  is  thicker. 

Why  are  women-folks  so  anxious  to  get  a  sailor- 
cap  ribbon? 

Because  a  ship  is  called  **  she." 

What  part  of  Jack's  uniform  reminds  you  of  an 
Admiral? 

His  blue  collar:   it  has  two  stars. 

What  well-known  Nation  has  no  Navy? 
Why,  Carrie. 


246  The  American  Battleship  in  Commission 

Where  is  the  dryest  place  aboard  ship? 
The    brig:   there   are    bars  all    around,   but  not 
a  drink. 

What  would  make  the  best  wife  for  an  old  sea- 
dog? 

A  mermaid :   she  couldn't  kick. 

Who   could  outsleep  Rip  Van    Winkle   if  only 
given  the  opportunity? 
A  marine. 

What  did  the  Oregon  maKe  that  famous  trip  for 
in  '98? 

To  get  on  the  other  side. 

When  does  a  bluejacket  think  number  thirteen 
unlucky? 

When  there  are  thirteen  men  at  his  table  and 
only  twelve  pieces  of  pie. 

Why  is  a  submarine  mine  like  a  salted  mine? 
It  takes  water  to  float  them  both. 

What  parts  of  a  battleship  are  like  the  army? 
Her  masts :  they  are  both  military. 

Why  is  it  mermaids  do  not  believe  in  Santa 
Claus? 

Because  they  do  not  wear  stockings. 


ManV-war  Yams  247 

Why  is  a  very  seasick  man  like  a  man  caught 
bluffing  in  a  big  jack-pot? 
They  both  have  to  come  up. 

What  is  the  difference  between  a  good  ship  and 
a  man's  red  nose? 

First-class  goods  are  used  to  make  a  good  ship, 
but  any  old  goods  will  make  a  red  nose. 

What  is  the  difference  between  a  greyhound 
(ocean  steamer)  and  a  bulldog  (the   Oregon)} 

The  greyhound  knows  how  to  run ;  the  bulldog 
knows  how  to  fight. 

Why  is  it  that  the  sword  is  mightier  than  the 
pen  in  the  Navy? 

Officers  draw  more  salary  than  yeomen. 

When  does  an  old  salt  get  salted? 
When  he  gets  married. 

Why  is  a  man-o'-war  like  a  placer  mine? 
She  gets  cleaned  up  often. 

When  the  ship  is  at  sea  what  does  her  rudder 
remind  you  of? 

A  poor  man :   it  is  always  working. 

Where  are  Uncle  Sam's  initials  seen  the  plainest? 
On  the  sailors'  caps. 


248  The  American  Battleship  in  G)mmission 

What  is  the  difference  between  an  admiral  and  a 
policeman? 

The  policeman  carries  his  one  star,  and  the  ad- 
miral has  a  big  ship  to  carry  his,  too. 

Why  are  ships,  sailors,  clergymen,  and  lovers  all 
in  the  same  boat? 

Because  they  all  make  knots. 

What  parts  of  the  machinery  remind  a  married 
man  of  his  mother-in-law? 

Crank,  cross-head,  and  jacking-over  engine. 

What  is  the  nearest  thing  to  a  ship  without  a 
rudder? 

A  saloon  without  a  side  door. 

Why  is  the  line  below  the  last  one  in  this  book? 
Because  it  is  the  End. 


J 


w 


NOV 


RETURN  TO  ttie  circulation  desl<  of  any 

University  of  California  Library 

or  to  the 

NORTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 
BIdg.  400,  Richmond  Field  Station 
University  of  California 
Richmond,  CA  94804-4698 

ALL  BOOKS  MAY  BE  RECALLED  AFTER  7  DAYS 
2-month  loans  may  be  renewed  by  calling 

(415)642-6233 
1-year  loans  may  be  recharged  by  bringing  books 

to  NRLF 
Renewals  and  recharges  may  be  made  4  days 

prior  to  due  date 

DUE  AS  STAMPED  BELOW 


iOOO 


-/" 

-^ 

-^ 

M183208 

•  ^'t 

Vf€f  « 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CAUFORNIA  UBRARY 




t 


II 


iiiiliiiiilif^^ 


iii!    Hi  il    ii  !  iriiinijhiili!!  i 

Jiiiiiiiililllii 
ii  j     iiiiiiiii 


j.,.. 


lllfilli 

"MiilHlHiiliiJlliiinjIi 


i  i  iiii  i iiiiil 


, ,  ,  „  |l,  |,  .  iiiiiii!  !i     II  I  I  i;  !j hni  11  ! 

,  ;^^l|piiilj|ili!!l||ll!li||li|!!!!ljilii;l# 


iiiiiifipliilliiiiiilillliiijM^ 


i:i'HllH!l!l!l!i!iiiiilil!i!iiiliiii  i  i!i  i  j;  liilijl  iijiijil 


•Hi  liliiiini 


:i;pi|i  ;    nn  i  :i:(itiMi!(i!i 


ill! 


i^iiF 


iiiiiiiii 


ijiisHjll  iiilm  ji  In 

:|!iiiiiiiiiiiiliiiili!i|liiii!ii|iiii  ill 
^^^'•^''■^'^■^^^■■■■■^'' Iiiiil  iii 


II  Ji 


11  1 


I  "! ,  i,  r 


iliijiiliillillii! 

i  ;:!!(:  hiliiil 

illililiiliiii^i'^^' 


iiii 


iiiiiiiiiiil^ 


JiiiJiihIiililliiiilHiiliJjI-lli 

i  liiil|li!i!i|!l!iilillpiiH 

lillll!  iljlii 
iHliini 


iii  IhII  I  ilMiP  Pi  Ii  iiiiiiiii  piiiHiiilliiHiHpJi 

;    i  H       i  iiliiljiiijiil    djiiiiil 


Hi 


Iiii  Ii  I 

ii 


iiii 


•^^^ 


ii 


iniiiiUiiliilniii 
l|i!j|;H|imj!iioi 


!  Iiiiiiiii  llil  iiii!  ijiiililiii    !i 

iiiiiiiii|ii|ii|lilli:i:iliiiiiiiliiiiii!l!lill 


ill 
I 

hi     III 


!    !| 


ii 


IjiiliiiiiiHii  I    i 

i  i  '   i     dm  if  15  I 


11 


ii  j  ill  1  } 


111 


I  11 


llll        I        1  ii     !l  HUl  i    I 


I         i 


